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SARSFIELD; 


OR, 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 


BY D 

Author of “ Frank O’Donnell,” “ Sherman’s March Through the South,” 
“ The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns,” “ Lives of the 
Irish Saints,” Etc., Etc. 





r P. CONYNGHAM. 





‘ In her deepest hour of sorrow, in her hour of darkest shame, 
Tliy country still will treasure the glory of thy name. 

In her greatest hour of triumph, when her history shall bear 
To the future all her glory, thine shall still be foremost there.” 




PREFACE 


Voltaire has sarcastically remarked, that The Irish 
always fought badly at home.” English writers and 
panderers to English supremacy, in order to vilify and 
defame the Irishman’s well known reputation for fidel- 
ity and bravery, have used this false accusation in order 
to detract from the military renown of Irishmen. 

A close observer of the military achievements of the 
Irish, from the first Anglo-Norman invasion down to the 
present time, will at once acknowledge the falsity of 
this slanderous charge of the impious philosopher of 
Ferney. 

The military history of Ireland in foreign countries 
has been so distinguished, that our greatest enemies dare 
not assail it. The glorious achievements of the Irish 
Brigade in the service of France emblazon the brightest 
page in the history of that martial nation, while the he- 
roism of the Irish soldiers in the late American war has 
fully established our military fame on this continent. 
The bravery of the Irish “ in far foreign fields ” was too 
well established for the most malignant and intoler- 
ant partisans of England to assail it ; they, therefore, had 
recourse to shameless misrepresentations, founded on the 
prejudiced statements of English historians. But im- 
partial history refutes all this. When the Anglo-Saxon 
bowed his neck to the yoke of the daring Norseman, Ire- 


IV 


PREFACE. 


land scorned to submit, and finally defeated the invad- 
ers. 

England gained a foothold in the country, not so much 
by the prowess of her arms as by treachery, bribery and 
dissensions fomented by English gold and English in- 
trigue among the Irish chiefs themselves. 

The English conquest of Ireland was slow, and for 
centuries we find the hardy clansmen and gallowglasses 
of Leinster and Munster hurling back the mailed war- 
riors of England, and shutting them up within the Pale. 

The brave Art MacMurrogh, not only held his own 
against Richard II. and his Norman followers, but ex- 
acted an annual tribute from the English settlers. He 
is spoken of by English historians of the period, as 
“ the Canker that lay in the heart of Leinster.” 

The wily Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, reddened 
many a bloody field with the best blood of the chivalry 
of England, and Tyrrell’s Pass, Beal-an-atha-Buidh, 
where “ Marshal Bagnall was slain,” are pointed out to- 
day as the scenes of their bloodiest defeats. 

While the red hand of the O’Neills was striking terror 
into the invaders in the North, the O’Moores were hang- 
ing like grim death on the flanks and rear of Earl Essex’s 
formidable army, and the “ Pass of Plumes ” is still cher- 
ished in Irish song and lore as the scene of the proud 
Earl’s disaster. The daring deeds and glorious victories 
of Sir Phelim O’Neill almost stamped the English invad- 
ers out of the North. The able generalship of Owen 
Roe O’Neill and the bravery of his followers promised, 
for some time, to efifect the liberation of Ireland ; and it 
is the opinion of able military critics, that, had he lived, 
he would have defeated Cromwell and his puritanical 
cutthroats. On his march from Derry to encounter 
Cromwell, he suddenly took ill and died, not without the 
strong suspicion that he was taken off by poison. 


PREFACE. 


V 


As the following work will prove, the Irish fought 
under every disadvantage against the Prince of Orange 
and his armies ; yet, they would in all probability have 
succeeded had they had such a leader as William of 
Orange, and had they not been so grossly deceived by 
their French allies. 

Their great success in this war was, in a great meas- 
ure, owing to the reckless bravery, perseverance, and 
indomitable energy of Sarsfield. His name and military 
fame have been handed down from generation to genera- 
tion, and have been preserved in legendary lore and 
song. Despite all this, there has been no written work 
which would preserve to history the glory of his achieve- 
ments. 

Conscious of this defect in our national literature, 
I have collected all the materials relative to him, and 
now present them to the public in the form of a histori- 
cal romance. 

Though choosing this style, I have been careful to give 
a truthful and impartial history of the Williamite and 
Jacobite wars in Ireland, in which he so conspicuously 
figured. The bravery of the Irish in the North, at the 
Boj-ne, Limerick and Aughrim, strongly refute the vile 
calumny that the Irish fight badly at home. 

In conclusion, I would remark, that no other country in 
the world, but Ireland, has kept alive during seven cen- 
turies of oppression, the undying spirit of bitter hostili- 
ty and resistance to her oppressors. While such a 
spirit moves the pulse of a nation’s heart she cannot die, 
but shall one day wake up to a new life to shine 

“ Great, glorious and free,” 
among the nations of the earth- 

THE AUTHOR. 

New York, December 1, 1870. 


I 




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CONTENTS 


CHAPTER I. PAGE 

Historical Review of Ireland’s Struggles and Defeats— 
Wholesale Confiscations under Elzabeth and Crom- 
well— Sarsfield’s Descent and Early Military Career.. . 1 

CHAPTER II. 

King James’s Arrival in Dublin— His Brilliant Reception 
— The Cottage near Glasneviii — The Fortunes of Col- 
onel McCarthy— The Old Soldier’s Glory — The Young 
Soldier’s Love 13 


CHAPTER III. 

Treachery of the Williamites— Progress of the Royal 
Cause before the Arrival of James— The King’s Recep- 
tion— Thousands Rally to his Standard 26 

CHAPTER IV. 

Love’s Young Dream— The Betrothal— The Separation. ... 43 

CHAPTER V, • 

The Mustering in the North— Evacuation of Coleraine — 
Battle of Cladyfor J— King James before Derry— The 
Royal Camp— Siege of Derry 64 

CHAPTER VI. 

Disaster at Newtownbutler— Major O’Donnell Supposed to 
be among the Slain— Eveleen’s Grief— His Safety — Ar- 
rival of Schomberg’s Army — His Winter Campaign— 
Atrocities Committed by his Army — Vacillating Con- 
duct of Schomberg and of King James— The Lost Op- 
portunity 71 


7 


Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER VII. page 

The Battle of the Boyne— Superiority of the English in 
men and Materials — The Plan of Battle— William’s 
Heroism — James’s Imbecility and Hesitation — Lausan 
keeps the French Contingent Inactive — Desperate 
Bravery of the Irish— Their Defeat owing to James’s 
Weakness and Lausan’s Defection 81 

CHAPTER YIII. 

King James’s Blunders— He goes to France— Evacuation of 
Dublin — The City Pillaged by the Mob — William Re- 
fuses to Interfere — His Arrival in Dublin— More Con- 
fiscations — No Mercy— The Irish March for Limerick — 
William’s Army on the March — James in France 108 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Siege of Limerick— Noble Defence of Athlon e — The 
Council of War— Sarsfleld’s Determined Stand— Wil- 
liam before Limerick — Destruction of William’s Ar- 
tillery Train by Sarsfield 120 

CHAPTER X. 

Siege of Limerick Continued — Savsfield goes to Galway to 
Infiuence Lausan and Tyrconuell to send back the 
troops to Limerick — The City Assaulted by the Eng- 
lish — William Wounded— The Governor Counsels Sur- 
render— Sarsfield’s Bold Stand — The Final Assault — 
Desperate Heroism of Men and Women — The Victory. 134 

CHAPTER XI. 

William’s Retreat from Limerick — Escape of Eveleen — 
Rivals Meet— William goes to England— Tyiconnell 
goes to France — Disunion of the Council — Landing of 
the Duke of Marlborough— Capture of Cork and Kin- 
sale — Ginkle’s Winter Campaign — Successful Resist- 
ance of the Irish — The Rapparees 149 

CHAPTER XII. 

Sarsfield among the Rapparees— Their Wrongs, their 
Bravery— Capture of O’Donnell— Fate of the Rapparees 
— O’Donnell’s Sentence — Major Saunder’s Crueltj^ — 
O’Donnell to be Executed— The Mysterious Friend— 
O’Donnell kills Major Saunders and Escapes 10*2 


CONTENTS. 


IX 


CHAPTER XIII. PAQB 

Sarsfield and O’Donnell Return to Limerick— A Happy 
Fireside— Arrival of Tyrconnell— Departure of the 
Duke of Berwick— Miserable Condition of the Irish 
Army— Arrival of St. Ruth— Preparations for the Cam- 
paign of 1691 — Gallant Defence of Athlone 174 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Siege of Athlone— Gallant Conduct of Irish Soldiers in 
Tearing down the Bridge — Capture of Athlone — Battle 
of Aughrim — Bravery of the Irish — St. Ruth’s Death the 
Cause of the English Victory 188 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Fall of Galway— Treachery of Bealderg O’Donnell, 
Henry Luttrell and Others— Ginkle Besieges Limerick 
— Sarsfield’s Noble Defence— Colonel McCarthy Killed 
—The Peace Party Prevail— Sarsfield’s Indignation. . . 200 

CHxVPTER XVI. 

Limerick Capitulates — The Treaty — Arrival of the French 
Fleet— Departure of the “ Wild Geese” for France— 

The Irish Brigade in France— Death of Sarsfield 214 


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SARSFIELD5 

OR, 

THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 


CHAPTER I. 

Historical Beview of Ireland's Struggles and Defeats — Whole’- 
sale Confiscations under Elizabeth and Cromwell — Sars- 
field's Descent and Early Military Career, 

The man that is not moved with what he reads, 

That takes not fixe at such heroic deeds. 

Unworthy of the blessings of the brave, 

Is base in kind and bom to be a slave.’’ 

Wheit we consider the struggles, sufferings and perse- 
cutions the Irish nation has gone through, how great 
must be our admiration of a people who have not only 
survived all of these, but who to-day, after seven centu- 
ries of oppression, yearn as passionately for their liberty 
as when the invader first set foot upon their soil. The 
dauntless heroism of the Irish race has been displayed 
on many a stubborn battle-field, since the time that the 
hardy kearns and gallow-glasses smote the mailed war- 
riors of Strongbow down, until the hardy peasants of 
Wexford hurled back the fiower of the English army. 
Ireland’s history has been one of tears and blood, but 
not of cowardice or dishonor. Her chiefs have been 
either treacherously butchered or hunted into exile ; her 
children have been stamped out of their native land by 

1 


2 


sabsfield; or, 

the sword, the gibbet and starvation, until her 
fertile fields became the prey of the despoiler; yet this 
nation, so persecuted, still remains unconquered, and 

“ Freedom’s battle once begun. 

Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son. 

Though baffled oft is ever won.** 

Ko power can quell the great heavings of a people’s 
heart who are thus resolved never to give up the hopes 
of freedom, but to sacrifice every thing,- even life itself, 
for its achievement. 

Though Ireland’s history has been a dark one, still it 
possesses many bright and glorious pages to which we 
can justly look back with pride. Though, unfortunately 
dissensions and domestic wars, too often the fruit of 
Enghsh gold and intrigues, have weakened and divided 
the Irish; still, England’s ascendency was of slow 
growth, and was the result of centuries of unheard-of 
persecutions on the one side, and of the most heroic 
struggles and sacrifices on the other. Who does not turn 
with contempt and loathing from the barbarous perse- 
cutions of Henry and Elizabeth, and with horror from 
the bloody massacres of Cromwell. 

Wherever the Irish had military leaders, and a fair 
chance against the armies of England, they struck terror 
into their hereditary foes, and often defeated their 
trained, veteran forces. Without going back to the 
struggles of the O’hTeills, the O’Donnells, and other chief- 
tains, we find, in the reign of Elizabeth, the stout Earl 
of Desmond manfully contending for his civil rights and 
religious liberty ; but, the struggle ended in the confis- 
cation of his broad acres. Shortly after, the brave and 
wily 3ugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, took the field. 

Crafty as Bacon and Cecil, he had learned war in the 
armies of Elizabeth, and then, taking advantage of the 
discontent created by religious tyranny, and the intrigues 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 3 

of Spain and Kome against England, he mustered the 
disaflfccted clans, and the straits to which he reduced 
the Pale, and his great victory of Beal-an-a-Buidhe, 
bear witness to the success that crowned his arms. 

But his defeat was followed by fresh confiscations and 
new settlements, and in the Counties of Donegal, 
Tyrone, Derry, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, about 
five hundred thousand acres were confiscated and par- 
celled out among the English Undertakers. Mitchel, in 
his life of Hugh O’JS'eil, tells us that, “ the domains of the 
attainted lords included all the lands inhabited by their 
clans, and the fundamental ground of this plantation, 
was the avoiding of natives and planting only with 
British.” When all the freebooters were satisfied vnth 
the richest lands, what was left was allowed to be rented 
to the natives, or former possessors, on condition that 
they would conform to the Protestant religion. There 
was a sweeping confiscation of the lands of Ireland, which 
was still carried on under the reign of James I. and 
Charles, and consummated to its fullest extent under 
Cromwell. No wonder that Dean Swift has said, “ If you 
would find the ancient nobles of Ireland, you must seek 
them on the coal quay or in the Liberties of Dubhn,” 
and we might add, in the cabins of the peasantry. 

After the plantation of Ulster an established system of 
confiscation was inaugurated in order to satisfy the vul- 
ture appetite of English adventurers, until fully five- 
sixths of the lands of Ireland had been wrested from 
their lawful owners. 

The reign of Charles the First was an inglorious one, 
and the wickedness and prodigality of his father paved 
his way to the block. 

The fearful wrongs which the people suffered, and 
the dread of total extermination with which they 
were threatened again drove them into rebellion. That 
this was a sudden outbreak is evident from the fact 


4 


sabsfield; or, 


that the insurgents were, at first, an unarmed rabble, who 
restricted their efforts to the defence of their property 
trom the Protestant planters, who tried to expel them. 
These desultory efforts were soon to assume a more com- 
bined resistance, under the leaderships of Sir Phelim 
O'JSTeill and Koger O’Moore. 

The patriot army soon amounted to over thirty thous- 
and men, and the insurrection became general. 

The primate O’Xeill convened a synod at Kells which 
declared it to be “a pious and lawful war,” and de- 
nounced the usurpers, of other men’s estates.” This 
was followed by the great synod or confederation of 
Kilkenny, which decreed that whoever refused to aid 
the cause, or remained neutral, should be excommuni- 
cated. It was also resolved to solicit foreign aid, and a 
form of government was established. 

The news of this great outbreak in Ireland revived the 
hopes of the brave Irish exiles and outlaws who were 
winning distinction in the armies of France and Spain, 
and about five hundred of them immediately returned 
home. Among these was the great Owen Roe O’Neil, 
who was invested with the command of the Confederate 
army. O’Neill was a veteran and wily soldier, and cau- 
tiously organized and disciplined his army, never enter- 
ing a battle unless with almost a certainty of success. 
The war opened with varied success on both sides. 

Charles found himself threatened with dangers from 
his parliament; and wishing to use the army against 
the malcontents at home, he commissioned the Earl of 
Ormond to treat with the confederates for an armistice 
of one year — which was ratified in September, 1643. On 
the other hand, O’Neil was anxious to gain time to dis- 
cipline his army. Neither of the contracting pai-ties 
gained by this treaty, for Charles did not get the Irish 
troops in time, as he expected, and the Confederation 
was weakened by discussions and treachery. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 5 

O’^Teil’s career was a brilliant and successful one ; be 
bad gained several victories, including tbe brilliant one 
over Monroe and his Scottish forces, at Benburb, where 
3243 of the latter were left on the battle-field. In Nov- 
ember, 1646, O’Neil and Preston having combined their 
forces, marched on Dublin, which compelled Ormond to 
surrender to the Parliamentary Commissioners, in trust 
for the King, the garrisons in his holding. Had Col. 
Preston, who was brother to Lord Gormanstown, and 
whose subsequent conduct proved his treachery, vigor- 
ously co-operated with O’Neil, Dublin would have readily 
fallen into their hands. 

Einuncini, the Pope’s Nuncio, who landed in Ireland 
towards the close of the year 1645, disgusted the more 
moderate members of the Confederation by his extreme 
measures. He was an enthusiast in religion, and his 
conduct drove away many of the Protestant and moder- 
ate royalists. He assumed the presidency of the council 
and the control of the army — thus creating many ene- 
mies and shackling the movements of O’Neil. 

Charles was executed in 1649, and on the 15th of 
August, of the same year, Cromwell landed in Dublin 
with an army of eight thousand foot, and four thousand 
horse. He immediately besieged Drogheda, and put 
both the garrison and the citizens to the sword. Wex- 
ford soon fell, and the garxison and citizens likewise 
were cruelly butchered. He next took Eoss, and invested 
Waterford. Ormond, strengthened by the forces of 
Owen Eoe O’Neil, hastened to its relief, and compelled 
him to raise the siege. 

Owen Eoe O’Neil was the only general in Ireland able 
to compete with Cromwell ; but unfortunately he died on 
the way to measure swords with him, not without strong 
suspicions of his being poisoned by English agents. 

We will not follow Cromwell’s bloody career through 
Ireland further ; suffice it to say that it was successful. 


6 


sarsfield; or, 


and that wholrsale confiscations followed to reward his 
puritanical army. The rightful owners of the land were 
attainted for treason, or shot down like wolves, thus dis- 
pensing with the needless forms of law. 

The restoration of Charles the Second brought no re- 
lief to poor Ireland or to the persecuted Catholics. This 
weak, inglorious king connived at the treason and vil- 
lany of a corrupt court. 

Under the protector ate of Cromwell no less than five 
million acres of arable land were confiscated, and the 
wholesale robbery continued during the reign of Charles. 

We have given this resume of the history of the pe- 
riod to show what the Irish have suffered from English 
rule, and how little gratitude they owe to the ungrate- 
ful House of Stuart, yet how ready were they to pour 
forth their blood in the royal cause. 

The accession of James the Second in 1685 gave hopes 
to the Catholics of Ireland, that, under him, they would 
be protected in the exercise of their religion, and that 
justice and toleration would at last be extended to them. 
That James meant well there is no doubt, but the dom- 
inant and intolerant party in power, fearing for their 
ill-gotten wealth and grasping ascendency, beset him 
with difficulties which ultimately drove him from his 
throne. His object was not to disrupt, but to harmonize 
all the interests of the State. He proclaimed liberty of 
conscience to all, the abolition of all penal laws, all re- 
ligious test oaths, and extended the same rights to the 
people of Ireland and Scotland as to those of England, 
and enjoined the Bishops to announce in the churches 
that liberty of conscience was henceforth the law of the 
land. This was too much for the dominant party, who 
had ruled the land for some time, and who had enriched 
themselves and their friends by the wholesale robbery 
of Catholics, their churches and monasteries. These in- 
trigued with the Duke of Monmouth, the natural son of 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOE lEELAlTD. 7 

Charles, to expel his uncle and to succeed him on the 
throne. 

This plot being discovered, the conspirators fled to 
Holland, when they plotted with William Prince of 
Orange, who was married to James’ daughter, to secure 
his succession to the Crown of England. 

Monmouth having fled to Holland after his failure, 
appealed to the Prince of Orange for assistance, but 
William, having designs on the Crown himself, allowed 
Monmouth to work out his own destruction. Having 
invaded England, he was defeated at Sedgeraoor, taken 
prisoner, and executed. This event “ opened the eyes of 
James to the dangers that beset him.” 

The army had shown signs of disaffection, and the 
leaders of the Protestant party in Ireland and Scotland 
were known to be connected with the conspiracy. 

From the time of his marriage with Mary, William 
had designs on the Crown of England, but, on account 
of his wars with France, might have waited the regular 
succession, after James’ death, had not a son been born 
to the latter on the 10th of June, 1688. 

This event precipitated “the Kevolution,” and negoti- 
ations at once took place between William and the 
English conspirators. The Earl of Sunderland, who was 
in the King’s confldence, and his chief adviser, was, at 
the same time, in league with William. 

His enemies did all in their power to vilify the acts of 
the King, and to inflame his Protestant subjects against 
him ; they even went so. far as to circulate a report that 
the young prince was only a child adopted, in order to 
exclude the Protestant accession to the Crown. All 
kinds of lies, intrigues, and deceits were resorted to, in 
order to undermine the power and influence of James, 
and to pave the way for William. The result was the 
invasion of England, in October, 1688, by the Prince of 
Orange, with a powerful armament, an army of four- 


8 


saesfield; ob, 


teen thousand men, and arms for twenty thousand 
more. James mustered an army of thirty thousand men 
to oppose him, but the traitorous leaders deserted to 
William with their commands. 

The King returned to London to find that his very 
children were poisoned against him, and had fled to join 
the invader. This broke the poor King’s spirit, for he 
was a kind, indulgent, loving father, and weeping, he 
exclaimed, — 

God help me, my own children have forsaken me ! ” 

James, having sent his queen and infant son to the 
Court of France, joined them there, leaving William of 
Orange in undisputed possession of the English throne. 

Ireland, at least the Catholic portion of it, still re- 
mained faithful to James, and was destined to become 
the battle-ground for the crown of England. 

The state of Ireland encouraged James, and accord- 
ingly he set sail from France, under an escort of thirty- 
three war ships, and arrived in Kinsale on the 12th 
of March, 1689. He was accompanied by his natural 
son, the Duke of Berwick, then nineteen years of age, 
M. de Kosen, M. de Moment, M. de Pusignan, de Lery, 
Boisselau, Lestrade, Guidon, and twelve hundred of his 
guards, who had joined him in his exile. One would ex- 
pect from such an imposing array of ships a large army ; 
but this was the only force that accompanied the ill- 
fated monarch. Among his followers was one whose 
name still stands high in the military traditions of Ire- 
land, and in the official records of the Irish in the French 
service. I mean Patrick Sabsfield, Eael of Lucak. 

The name of Sarsfield is still a household word for all 
that is daring, brave and chivalrous in Ireland. On the 
landing of King James at Kinsale he created Sarsfield 
Brigadier General. 

As our tale, which is a truthful historical romance of 
the events of the time and of the achievements of Sars- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 


0 


■ ) 
'r 


** The march and the muster— the line and the charge.” 

The Sarsfields came in with Strongbow. The first dis- 
tinct recognition of them, however, was as mayors of 
Dublin in 1531, 1554 and 1566. Under James the first 
Sir William Sarsfield held the Manor of Lucan, near 
Dublin, a descendant of whom married a natural daugh- 
ter of Charles the Second, sister of the Duke of Mon- 
mouth ; and from these, through the female line, have 
descended the Binghams, the present Earls of Lucan. 
The title of Earl of Lucan, descended from Patrick 
Sarsfield, was conferred on him by King James. Though 
there were a great many families of the name, some of 
whom largely helped themselves to the forfeited estates 
of the Irish, they do not appear to be of the same fami- 
ly as the first Earl, the subject of this volume. 

In the line of the latter, the first distinct name is Pa- 
trick Sarsfield, who married Ann, the daughter of Roger 
O’Moore, in the reign of Charles I., and had two sons 
and a daughter: William, afterwards Sir William, 
Patrick, and Mary, who married Col. Rossi ter, of Rath- 
macknee Castle, in the County Wexford. Little is known 
of the time of birth and early life of Patrick ; but he was 
educated in one of the French military colleges, and had 
his first commission as ensign in the ^^giment of Mon- 


field, opens with the entry of King James into Dublin, 
a short sketch of the previous career of Sarsfield, and of 
his subsequent fate, may not be out of place here. 

The Duke of Berwick, who married Ms^ widow, says 
that he was a man of prodigious stature, extremely good 
natured, and brave to excess.” Though not a scientific 
officer, he was a man full of military contrivances, and 
ready for any act of dashing bravery. Just the man to 
take a leading part in the desperate struggle then im- 
pending in Ireland, where his great personal qualities 
could not fail to bring him an enthusiastic following in 


10 


saesfield; oe, 


mouth, under Louis XIY. He made a campaign or two on 
the piize-fighting fields of Flanders, and then was made 
Lieutenant of the King’s Regiment of Guards, in Eng- 
land. King James being now in want of soldiers to 
meet the Dutch coming over under his son-in-law Wil- 
liam, sent Sarsfield into Ireland for a force of Irish 
troops, and when they were brought over gave him the 
command of them. These Irish were very unwelcome 
visitors in the English towns ; a regiment of old Irish 
wolves could not have got a worse reception or a worse 
name. The poor fellows were mostly Catholics, and, 
having a very bad commissariat, were always hungry 
and unscrupulous in the matter of provender. The 
women of the village spread a report that they ate 
babies. Macaulay, in his history, gives an account of a 
skirmish at a place called Wincanton, between Mackay’s 
Williamite regiment and a body of those Irish troops, 
commanded by Sarsfield. It was an insignificant affair, 
and there was little for Sarsfield to do in it. But King 
James’ Memoirs mention that this officer and Colonel 
Clifford had made several successful attacks on detach- 
ments from the Dutch army. 

Patrick had succeeded to his family estate on the death 
of his brother William, about the time of his landing in 
Ireland with King James, and used his means to raise a 
regiment of Irish horse, with which he did the most ef- 
fective and gallant service. 

Few names stand so proudly forth in the roll of Irish 
honor as Patrick Sarsfield’s, who is justly quoted as the 
type of a dashing soldier, of loyalty and patriotic devo- 
tion. He stands as a parallel to the Chevalier de Bay- 
ard of France, as a man ‘‘ Sans puer et sans reproche ” — 
the fearless and irreproachable knight. Though Wil- 
liam offered to confirm him in his rank in his army, and 
also in his property, he listened to no overtures, but fol- 
lowed the fortunes of his exiled king in conjunction 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELATO). 11 

with his devoted “ Irish Brigade.” These exiled soldiers 
soon filled Europe with their renown, and wrested more 
than one hard-fought field from the arms of England. 

“ The Irish regiments whom we have driven into the 
seiwice of France,” said an English member of Parlia- 
ment of the time, in the House of Commons, “ have cost 
more money to Britain than the fee simple of their es- 
tates were worth.” 

McGeoghegan states that from 1691 to 1745, during a 
period of fifty-four years, not less than 450,000 Irishmen 
were killed in the wars of Louis the XIY. and his suc- 
cessors. 

Sarsfield’s character is graphically described in the 
words of Matthew O’Connor, in his “ Military Memoirs 
of the Irish Nation.” “ For a desultory warfare, Sars- 
field possessed admirable qualifications — brave, patient, 
vigilant, rapid, indefatigable, ardent, adventurous, and 
enterprising; the foremost in the encounter, the last in 
the retreat. He harassed the enemy by sudden, unex- 
pected, and generally irresistible attacks, inspiring his 
troops with the same ardor and contempt of danger 
with which his own soul was animated. This valor pro- 
longed the contest in Ireland. Eomantic loyalty, the 
sense of honor, and, perhaps, the hope of relieving the 
fortunes of his country, prompted him to abandon his 
possessions, and to reject the tempting offers of William. 
No general was more beloved by his troops. Their ex- 
traordinary attachment to him impelled them to follow 
his fortunes as well as those of his sovereign.” 


12 


sabsfield; ob, 


CHAPTER 11. 

King James* s Arrival in Dublin — His Brilliant Reception — The 

Cottage near Glasnevin- -The Fortunes of Col. McCarthy — 

The Old Soldier* s Glory^The Young Soldier* s Love. 

Oh! to have lived brave Sarsfield’s life— to live for a solemn 
end,— 

To strive for the ruling strength and skill God’s Saints to the 
chosen send ; 

And to come at length, with the holy thought, the bondage of 
fraud to rend , 

And pour the light of God’s freedom in where tyrants and 
slaves are denned; 

And to bear the brand. 

With an equal hand, 

Like a soldier of truth and right; 

And, oh Saints ! to die. 

While OUT flag flew high, 

Nor to look on its fall or flight. 

Seldom had the gay and fashionable City of Dublin 
witnessed so grand and thrilling a scene as that which 
greeted the arrival of King Janies to the Irish capital. 
The houses were decorated with flags and banners, and 
fair women waved their handkerchiefs from the windows 
as the royal cortege passed through the streets, and 
showered down upon them bouquets of choice flowers. 
The exciting music of the band, the tramp of the long 
processions of soldiers and citizens as they marched, 
and the loud cheers and huzzas of the assembled thou- 
sands, gave it the air not only of a royal pageant, but 
also of one which carried with it the blessings of the 
people and the heart of the nation. The streets were 
spanned with triumphal arches, which were decorated 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 13 

with flags and mottoes. The streets and sidewalks were 
lined with anxious, eager crowds, who, with mingled 
cheers and blessings, greeted the monarch. Nothing 
that enthusiastic loyalty could suggest was left undone 
to grace the royal pageantiy. The Mayor, in all the 
pomp and insignia of ofS.ce, at the head of the Corpora- 
tion, went forth to meet the king, and to tender him 
their fealty with the Keys of the City. Lady Tyrconnell, 
attended by a long retinue of nobles and ladies, had met 
the royal procession outside the city, and was received 
by J ames with royal courtesy and favor. As the proces- 
sion neared the castle the surging crowd had filled the 
streets on all sides, and the loud welcoming cheers were 
hushed in solemn silence as the Primate, crowned with 
a triple tiara, richly dressed in his episcopal robes, and 
holding before him a massive crucifix, issued forth to re- 
ceive the king, and to bestow upon him his benediction. 
He was accompanied by a long train of ecclesiastics. As 
he approached the king the procession halted, and the 
surging crowd hushed their acclamations and bent down 
in lowly reverence. 

The national flag was unfurled above the castle gate, 
with its silken folds flapping in the March wind, and its 
significant motto, as if to fire the heart of the exiled 
King— 

Now or Never ! Now and Forever ! ** 

emblazoned upon it in letters of gold. 

The King humbly bent in homage before the sign of 
man’s redemption, and, the Primate having given him 
his benediction, rose from his genuflection before the 
Cross. Having received the Primate and the other 
ecclesiastics, he gratefully, and with evident emotion, 
returned his acknowledgments to the citizens. When the 
royal procession entered the castle gate one prolonged, 
deep, and fervid cheer burst from the multitude. 

The City of Dublin has been proverbial in old times 


14 


sarsfield; or, 


for taste and elegance, and magnificent displays. The 
inauguration of a Mayor, with all its tinsel pomp and 
ceremonies, is a great annual treat to the citizens, and 
affords them much food for comment and criticism for 
weeks afterwards; while an invitation to a Viceroy’s 
ball or banquet is the acme of bliss to the subservient 
aristocracy. 

If the people of Dublin enjoyed the same civil rights 
and blessings as those of Paris, and other great cities, 
they certainly would rival them in all the abandon of 
social amusements, and in all the elegancies of refined 
society. 

They are a fun-loving people, fond of patronizing the 
theatres, and apt at criticising the performances. In 
these respects, they are a good type of the Irish people. 
Though their serfdom rankles in their hearts, they are 
hopeful in adversity, cheerful under their bondage, but 
ever ready to embrace a chance to wipe out their 
oppressors. It is no wonder, then, that such a people 
hailed, with joy, the arrival of Kinsr James upon their 
shores; no wonder that the corporation voted him 
addresses of loyalty, or that the masses collected in 
crowds and vowed to restore him to his own again. The 
news of the arrival of King James at Kinsale put Dub- 
lin into a phrenzy of delight and anxiety. Many of the 
Liberty boys were fighting under the gallant General 
Hamilton in the North, and their brothers were ready 
to join them under the banner of the King. The 
sturdy blacksmith threw down his hammer, the weaver 
his shuttle, the shop boy jumped from behind the 
counter, and the tailor from his platform, all to furbish 
up their arms and to get ready to march under the 
royal standard. 

This devotion of the Irish to James had a deeper 
meaning than mere respect for royalty. During the 
reigns of Henry, Elizabeth, James I., and the protector- 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 15 

ate of Cromwell, Ireland had been persecuted and plun- 
dered ; her religion banned, her churches and monaster- 
ies despoiled, and her broad lands confiscated to reward 
the spoilers. Here was a bright prospect of a change : 
James was a Catholic, and, though the Stuarts had, so 
far, proved themselves an ungrateful and worthless race, 
everything was to be hoped from his well-known liber- 
ality, such as civil and religious rights, the restoration 
of their confiscated churches and lands, and perhaps a 
restoration of an Irish monarchy in the person of the 
King. About five centuries before this, Henry II. had 
landed in Ireland. The reception given to him was by 
slavish courtiers, pampered favorites and submissive 
chiefs; the reception to James sprung from the hearts 
of the people. One was that of slavish submission, the 
other of unbounded loyalty. King James arrived in 
Dublin on the 24th of March, 1689. 

’Twas a day of joy and feasting in Dublin town, 

For King James had come to fiaht for bis crown; 

And Irish hearts, full loyal and true, 

Had mustered there, with him to die or do.” 

Old Ballad. 

As the royal party entered the castle, where they were 
received by Tyrconnell with sumptuous magnificence 
and where a rich banquet awaited them, the citizens re- 
tired, some to make arrangements for the illumina- 
tions that were to take place at night, others to make 
preparations to join the king’s standard, but all to dis- 
cuss the important and exciting events that were 
transpiring around them. As night set in, candles and 
torches blazed from almost every window, and the few 
Williamites that set the public will at defiance, soon 
found it necessary to yield to public opinion, for their 
windows were broken and their safety endangered. 

Near the present Glasnevin, which was then a remote 
suburb of the city, stood a modest cottage. It was sur- 


10 


8AESFIELD; OR, 


rounded by a small but tasteful garden, and a plot of 
green sward, planted with shrubs and some flowers, 
extended from the fo-ont to the road. This cottage 
was inhabited by a venerable old man, who had inher- 
ited from his father a princely estate in Munster. Being 
a patriot, and of a patriotic line, Florence McCarthy had 
linked his fortunes with the Confederation, and the re- 
sult was that his fertile acres and his strong castle, that 
proudly overlooked the silvery Suir, became the prey of 
the dispoilers. He had participated in the gallant de- 
fence of Clonmel, when Sir Hugh O’Neill, with a force of 
between twelve and sixteen hundred men, defended 
that town for two months against Cromwell, at the head 
of 20,000 of his chosen troops. He had also served at 
liimerick under O’Neill, when he defended it against 
Iretoa, Cromwell’s son-in-law. His family and clan 
were scattered and slain, and such as remained were 
either outlawed or expelled from their homes and prop- 
erties by the Cromwellian settlers. At the close of the 
Cromwellian wars, the Irish soldiers, being deprived of 
their properties by confiscation, and seeing no hopes of 
renewing the struggle at home, joined the armies of 
France and Spain. It is computed that in the year 1653 
alone, no less than 40,000 of these brave exiles were 
transported to the continent. 

The sympathy of France for the House of Stuart in- 
duced the most of those to take service under the jleur- 
de-lis, and they served with distinction under the great 
Turenne, particularly at the siege of Moinon on the 
Meuse. 

Florence McCarthy, then a young man, had distin- 
guished himself in the Irish wars, and at its close had ac- 
companied Cole Grace’s regiment to Spain. He served 
in all the battles, sieges, and operations of the great con- 
tinental campaigns of 1656-57 and ’58, and was severely 
wounded at the siege of Dunkirk, where Muskery's 
regiment was almost annihilated. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR lEELAlTO. 17 

After the restoration of Charles II., he granted per- 
mission to the French to recruit in Ireland, and these 
troops served with Turenne on the Rhine during the 
campaigns of 1673, 1674 and 1675. 

Major McCarthy had an only son. Like his father he 
selected the profession of arms, and distinguished him- 
self in many a brilliant engagement, for, independently of 
their natural passion for military glory and fame, these 
Irish chiefs often had the chance of measuring swords 
with their old enemy the English ; besides, they had an 
undefined hope that the changes and chances of war 
would yet give them an opportunity to strike for Ire- 
land. 

The promising career of young McCarthy was cut * 
short at the bridge of Altenheim, on the Rhine, leaving 
to the care of his venerable father a wife and an only 
daughter of four years of age, 

Florence McCarthy, who had risen to the rank of Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, was so broken down in spirit by the 
death of his brave son, and the weight of advancing 
years, that he left the service and returned to his native 
country. Colonel McCarthy was a splendid type of the 
soldiers of the old school. Though the winters of sev- 
enty-five years had silvered his locks, and the hardships 
and services of a long military life had bronzed his fea- 
tures and seamed them with many a scar, stiU he re- 
tained the proud bearing and easy, dignified manner of 
a soldier constantly associated with the proudest nobles 
of France and Spain. His tali, commanding figure was 
still as straight as one of his former recruits, and his 
white hair, that flowed in ringlets over his shoulders, 
and his heavy gray moustache and pointed beard, gave 
a venerable air to his otherwise soldir'.rly appearance. 

His grand'daughter, Eveleen McCarthy, who appeared 
to be the pride and joy of the old man’s life, was a truly 
magnificent-looking girl. She was tall and graceful of 

2 


18 


sarsfield; or, 


figure, with a fresh, lovely face, whose contour was great- 
ly heightened by the black, waving hair that rippled 
over her neck and shoulders. Though fully conscious 
of her high ancestry, dating back to a long line of kings, 
she possessed no foohsh pride of race, but was as gay, 
artless and innocent as the child of the humble peasant. 
Though she teased the old man not a little with her wild, 
good-natured ways, still, she loved him dearly, and he 
prized her as the apple of his eye, for without her life 
indeed would be to him a dull, monotonous blank. 
Though he had fought his battles over and over hun- 
dreds of times for her, and traced the different positions 
and evolutions of the contending troops so often in the 
turf ashes for her that there was not a point, a fosse, a 
redoubt or intrenchment of the whole campaign but 
was weU known to her, still she loved to hear the old 
man tell how fields were fought and won. When he 
described the position of the Irish on the left bank of 
the Rhine, at Altenheim, under the brave General Ham- 
ilton, and how nobly they held the tete du pont against 
the Imperial forces, while the French cavalry were ef- 
fecting a crossing and attacking the German infantry in 
the rear, the old face man’s would glow with martial 
pride. 

“ But, my dear,” he would add, “ every famous victory 
has its dark side ; many a noble spirit breathed its last on 
that day ; many a brave Irishman, whose heart throbbed 
for one blow for his religion and his coimtry, met a 
soldier’s death. Ah ! I shall never forget, as I watched 
your brave young father charge at the head of his com- 
pany, something told me it would be his last charge ; 
and true enough, soon afterwards a handful of his men 
returned bearing with them the bleeding body of their 
captain. When I reached him he was dying, and as he 
breathed his last in these arms, aU he could say was, 

‘ Father, my wife, my child I ’ and I laid him back a 
corpse.” 


r 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 19 

“Tour mother, dear Eveleen,” the old man would 
continue, to the weeping maiden, as he drew his hand 
across his own eyes, “ took his death so much to heart 
that I retired from the service and came here, thinking 
that the air of her native land would restore her ; but she 
pined and died, leaving you, the sole heritage of my 
family, to my care.” 

Brought up almost from her infancy by an old veteran 
of the Spanish and French armies, it is no wonder that 
Eveleen imbibed much of his martial spirit, and had she 
been a boy, she would have selected a military career. 
Her cousin, Hugh O’Donnell, who was her playmate, 
and who was now serving under the standard of King 
James, was a type of what she would wish to be. No 
wonder, therefore, that she took a special interest in 
young O’Donnell’s career, and her heart warmed to him 
with more than a sister’s love. 

It was evening. Eveleen and her maid were out, 
anxiously listening to the cheers that welcomed the 
arrival of King James, and watching the excited crowds 
that anxiously rushed past the house, some going into 
the city, others returning, eagerly discussing the events 
of the day. ‘‘ Come, Honor,” she said to her maid, ‘‘ let 
us go in ; this is a hopeful day for Ireland, and how my 
dear grandfather’s heart will throb with delight at the 
prospects of his old master being restored to his throne, 
and the McCarthys to their rightful possessions.” 

As Eveleen gaily entered the parlor, what was her 
surprise to see her grandfather, dressed in fuU uniform, 
gazing through the window. 

“ Oh, father ; ” she exclaimed, for she was in the habit 
of calling him by the endearing name of father ; “ why 
do you don your military uniform? You are not surely 
going to fight ; war, you know, is for younger men, but 
not for braver. Besides, you would not leave your child 
alone and unprotected.” 

‘‘ Fear not,” exclaimed the old man ; “ the days when I 


20 


sabsfield; or 


could wield a sword with effect, or lead a desperate 
charge, are past and gone ; war, as you say, is for younger 
men, but it makes me feel young when our royal master 
is near, to put on the livel y in which 1 served under him 
on the fields of Flanders and along the Ehine.” 

“ Good, brave father ! would that you were twenty 
years younger, and, with your experience and courage, 
you would be worth a host to the King.” 

“ Would 1 were, dear!” exclaimed the old man, as he 
affectionately kissed her. “As it is, only that I could 
not leave my child alone in the world, I would strike a 
last blow — ior what nobler termination for a soldier than 
a soldier’s death, with the foe fiying before him ? But 
I must be content; take your harp and play some- 
thing in honor of the occasion. I expect, Eveleen,” con- 
tinued the old man, as he politely handed her to a seat, 
“ that your cousin Hugh, will visit us to-night, for I 
know he has come over with the King. Brave youth, he 
has the right drop in him, Eveleen, and who knows but 
his arm will help to restore the king and our exiled race 
to their possessions ? Ah, my child I how it would cheer 
my declining years to see you and him settled in Knock- 
graffon Castle, to listen to the sweet murmuring of the 
Suir, as in boyhood’s days, and to look on the chase of 
the wild deer over the stately Galtees, as when my father 
and his followers enjoyed the royal sport over his broad 
domains.” 

At the mention of Hugh O’Donnell the maiden hung 
down her head and busied herself tuning her harp. 

“ Pardon me, child I ” continued the other, “ but such 
thoughts and longings will come to warm up even an 
old heart like mine. It may be all a dream, but who 
knows! ” 

He took his seat beside Eveleen, while she sweetly 
warbled forth one of those Jacobite songs so popular at 
the time. 


THE LAST QBE AT STEUGGLE FQE IRELAI^D. 21 

Scarcely had she concluded it when they heard a rap 
at the door, and Honor announced two officers of the royal 
suit. 

“ Show them in,” exclaimed the old man, rising to re- 
ceive them ; they are right heartily welcome.” 

The youngest of the officers was a youth of about 
twenty-three years of age. He was tall, and of a lithe 
active build, with a frank manly expression of counten- 
ance. 

“ Hugh, my boy, you are welcome indeed ! ” exclaimed 
the old man as he embraced him. “ Here, Eveleen,” he 
continued, “ salute your cousin. Now that you have him, 
you need not be sighing about him, and wishing that 
you had a brother like him.” 

Eveleen, blushing, welcomed her cousin, who, availing 
himself of his kinship and previous intimacy, imprinted 
a kiss upon her glowing cheeks, exclaiming: “Why, 
Eveleen, I left you a romping, wild little girl, and now I 
find you a blooming young woman. But, pardon me — 
General Sarsfield, allow me the honor of introducing 
to you my uncle, Colonel McCarthy, of whom you have 
heard me speak so often.” The two soldiers greeted 
one another with a warm clasp of the hand. And, 
General, this is my cousin, his grand-daughter.” 

“Aye, Hugh,” playfully replied the general, as he 
courteously saluted the maiden, “ I think I have heard 
you mention your fair cousin, too ; and now that I have 
seen her, I am not surprised that you sometimes woo 
the Muses as well as Mars.” 

It was Hugh’s turn to blush at this remark, and both 
the young people appeared rather embarrassed, which 
the old man perceiving, good-naturedly relieved them 
by inviting his guests to be seated, and O) dering Honor 
to serve up his best wine — “ For this, General,” he said, 
addressing himself to Sarsfield, “ is an occasion to warm 
a man’s loyalty to his King and to his country.” 


22 


sabsfield; or, 


Though Patrick Sarsfield had seen some active service, 
both on the Continent and England, his name had not 
yet become famous. He was then in the prime of man- 
hood, of large, muscular frame ; being considerably over 
six feet high and propoitionally built, he looked the 
perfect type of a high-souled, chivalrous soldier. His 
brawny limbs and ample chest gave him the appearance 
of being a man of great strength, while his kind, genial 
face, glowing with honest truthfulness, made you feel 
that he was a man on whose sincerity you could rely as 
a friend, as safely as under the protection of his strong 
arm. His hair curled in natural profusion on his shoul- 
ders, setting off a shapely head, while his beard was 
worn in the pointed fashion of the period, the mous- 
tache bristling with true military fierceness. Such was 
the personnel of Patrick Sarsfield, a man whose name in 
Ireland has become synonymous with all that is pure, 
upright, brave, and fearless. 

As soon as Honor had laid the bottles and glasses upon 
the table Colonel McCarthy filled a bumper, and, bidding 
his guest to do the same, he rose, and, raising his glass, ex- 
claimed, Come, gentlemen, let us drink long life and 
success to our lawful monarch, the good King James I” 

His guests having honored the toast, Hugh sat near 
Eveletn, while Sarsfield engaged the old veteran in con- 
versation. 

“ I understand that you have seen considerable service, 
General Sarsfield,” said the Colonel ; “ how forcibly it re- 
calls old times and camp life to meet one who has served 
on the old battle fields of Flanders.” 

“ I cannot speak much of my services yet, Colonel 
when compared with yours, whose name I have heard 
many a time honorably mentioned by the old officers 
who served under Turcnne and La Ferte; true, I have 
seen some service while Ensign in the regiment of the 
unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, under Louis XIV., and 


THE LAST GKEAT STKTJGaLE FOR IRELAND. 23 

participated in a few campaigns in Flanders, before I 
was commissioned in the King’s Kegiment of Guards in 
England. As soon as the design of William on the 
crown of England became apparent, the king commis- 
sioned me to go to Ireland and raise some troops for his 
service at home. In connection with these I became ac- 
quainted with our brave young friend there. 

I must say that our Irish regiment met but a sorry re- 
ception in England. National hatred, difference of re- 
ligion, and the growing opposition to the king, embit- 
tered the English against us : for I must tell you. Colonel, 
that these haughty English, after despoiling our coun- 
try and robbing us of our inheritance, so hate us that 
they begrudge us the poor privilege of brave men and 
faithful soldiers, even while fighting for the rights of 
their lawful king.” 

“Ye had some fighting there against the Williamites, 
how did the Irish soldiers behave ? ” 

“ They did well. Colonel. Upon receiving information 
of William’s descent upon the English coast. King James 
mustered an army of 30,000 men to oppose him. On our 
march to Salisbury, the traitor. Lord Combury, under 
pretence of attacking an outpost of the enemy, took his 
own regiment and three others, and deserted to William. 
His example was soon followed by the Duke of Grafton, 
Colonel Barclay, Lord Churchill, the Duke of Ormonde 
and Prince George of Denmark. Disheartened and dis- 
pirited, the king returned to London, leaving his Irish 
regiment, and a few others who had remained faithful, to 
check William’s advance. We had a sharp encounter 
with their advance under Mackay at a place called Win- 
canton, where the Williamite soldiers, and the very cit- 
zens for whose monarch we were fighting, treated the 
Irish wounded and prisoners in a most barbarous man- 
ner, and massacred several of them; but I trust in God 
that we will soon have a glorious revenge on many an 
Irish battle-field.” 


24 


sabsfield; or 


“ God send it, General ; but the poor King, how did he 
bear his reverses, and the treachery of his pretended 
friends ? ” 

“ Upon his return to London, he found himself desert- 
ed on all sides, and his very children, whom he idolized, 
had abandoned him. I am told he wept like a child, and 
looked almost demented. However, having sent his 
wife and child to France, he resolved to await the issue 
of events in his palace. He was soon surrounded by the 
Dutch soldiers, whose appearance in their capital even 
the English were slavish enough to hail, and sent under 
arrest to Rochester, whence he escaped to Picardy, and 
arrived at St. Germains, on the 25th of December. 

“ Alter his departure, London was given up to the ex- 
cesses of the Dutch soldiery. The Catholic inhabitants 
had to fly, while their property was marked for pillage 
or destruction, and their churches and religious houses 
were rifled, and, in most cases, set on fire. As for the 
king, he has lost that energy and resolution that char- 
acterized him when he won his laurels as Duke of 
York.” 

“ I recollect well. General, when the alliance between 
the English Commonwealth and the Court of France, 
through the policy of Mazarin, compelled the Duke of 
York to retire to Flanders, and his brother Charles to 
the Court of Spain. I was then aide-de-camp to my 
cousin, who, believing that his allegiance lay with the 
exiled Stuarts, transferred his service to Spain after the 
siege of Conde, and we were soon afterwards joined by 
the Duke of York, who commanded the foreign contin- 
gents. The death of Cromwell, and the restoration of 
Charles, changed the destiny of the Irish soldiers who 
had followed his fallen fortunes. Many of those in the 
Spanish service returned to their own country, while 
others joined the French army, and served with my son, 
under Count Hamilton, at Enghein and other engage- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 25 

ments, until my noble boy fell at Altenheim, when I 
returned to Ireland. I had the honor of the acquaint- 
ance of the King when Duke of York, and have, lor the 
first time since I left the service, put on a uniform, for 
the sight of it and those medals won under him, seems 
to recall the days of our campaigns together, and to 
warm my loyalty.” 

“ Will you not call to pay your respects to the King? 
He would like to see so old a companion-in-arms and 
brave a soldier as Colonel McCarthy.” 

‘‘Certainly, my dear General; all I regret is that age 
and declining health render me unable to strike a blow 
in his behalf.” 

^ ‘‘ Your presence and approval of his cause will be an 

encouragement to him, Colonel. If you and your fair 
grand-daughter honor his reception with your presence, 
I can promise you a gracious reception, and shall have the 
pleasure of introducing my lady to you.” 

“ Thanks, General Sarsfield ; if Eveleen has no objec- 
tion, we shall attend ; but, you must promise that none 
of your court gallants shall steal the heart of my little 
pet from me.” 

“ I may safely promise that, too,” said Sarsfield, with a 
smile, “ for I think it is in safe keeping, already.” 

Eveleen and O’Donnell were all this time wrapt in 
some important conversation of their own, which seemed 
to interest them very much, for he held her little hand 
in his, and occasionally stole his arm around her waist, 
as a pleased smile and a rippling laugh gave indications 
that their conversation was of the most pleasing and 
agreeable kind. 

It was finally arranged that the Colonel and Eveleen 
should attend the King’s levee, Hugh volunteering to 
chaperone them. 

After drinking another sparkling bumper to the King 
and his cause, Sarsfield and his young companion took 
their leave and returned to the city. 


26 


sabsfield; ob, 


CHAPTEK III. 

Treachery of the Williamites — Progress of the Royal Cause 
before the Arrival of James— The King*s Reception- 
Thousands Rally to his Standard. 

“ They rose and swore by freedom’s name, by kindred and by 
kind, 

No foreign rule, no foreign guile, their country’s limbs should 
bind— 

That she should stand erect and fair, as in the olden time. 

The loveliest ’mong the nations— of ocean’s isles the prime.” 

M’Geb. 

The leaders of the Protestant party in Ireland, while 
apparently friendly towards the King, were acting the 
same treacherous part toward him as their co-religionists 
in England. In England, the Earl of Sunderland, who 
was the King’s chief adviser, and pretended friend, was 
all the time in league with William, and paving the way 
for his invasion of the country. When Tyrconnell tried 
to arouse the King’s suspicion to the dangers that 
threatened him, the treacherous earl appeased the King, 
by representing William as the most affectionate of sons- 
in-law, who had generously offered him troops to sup- 
press the rebelhon of Monmouth, and that the reports 
about his intention of invading England were circulated 
by his enemies in Holland and France. 

The wily secretary had so adroitly impressed the 
King with these views that, when King Louis sent 
private information to James of the designs of William, 
with a generous offer of 30,000 French troops to meet 
the invasion before it could make headway, the evil 
counsel of Sunderland prevailed ; the warning was un- 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 27 

heeded, and the proffered aid refused. Thus was the 
King sold in England, by his false and perjured friends. 

The friends of the conspiracy in Ireland were fully 
alive to what was taking place, and acted with the same 
treachery and double-dealing as those in England. The 
leaders of the conspiracy in Ulster were Lord Blaney, 
Eawden, Skeffington, Keames, Kelso, and the daring 
fanatical clergyman. Walker. These kept up an active 
correspondence with WiUiam, and influenced the Pro- 
testants of the north, by representing every liberal 
measure granted by the King as an encroachment upon 
their rights. 

When in 1686, TyrconneU issued a proclamation ad- 
mitting Catholics to serve in the army and militia, 
these traitors to their King, so influenced the Protest- 
ants against granting such privileges to men who were 
hitherto outside the pale of law, and by representing the 
object of admitting Catholics to bear arms to be for the 
purpose of re-establishing “ Popish ascendency,” that 
the leading officers fled to Holland to take service under 
the Prince of Orange, while the lower orders zealously 
refused to serve with their feUow Catholic subjects. 

Not content with fanning this spirit of fanatical in- 
tolerance, the leaders industriously circulated a report 
that a massacre of the entire Protestant population of 
Ulster was to take place on a certain night, and advis- 
ing them to take up arms for self-protection. 

The time named for the massacre of Protestants was 
about the date of William’s invasion ; so, by thus playing 
on their fears and prejudices thousands were driven to 
espouse his cause as soon as the news of his landing in 
England reached Ireland. The leaders of the Williamite 
party in Ulster called a convention of their friends and 
supporters, and assuming the right of disposing of the 
country, tendered its allegiance to Wilham. They then 
entered into a league “ for the maintenance of the Pro- 


28 


saesfield; oe, 


testant religion, and the dependency of Ireland upon 
England.” The leaguers, having artfully influenced the 
prejudices and fears of the Protestants, formed them into 
military organizations, and took possession, not only of 
Derry — the gates of which they closed against the Earl 
of Antrim’s regiment of Highlanders, sent thither by 
Tyrconnell, on the invitation of the Governor — buc also 
Enniskillen, Culmore, Sligo, Coleraine, and several other 
important towns and posts. 

The gates of Derry were closed on the 7th of Decem- 
ber, 1688, just one month after William landed in 
England. 

The deputy Tyrconnell, seeing that a civil war 
could no longer be averted in Ireland, and having at 
his disposal only a few well-equipped regiments, those 
mainly of McCarthy, Clancarty, Antrim, and Billens, ap- 
pealed to the loyalty of the country, and issued com- 
missions to the heads of the old Catholic families, and 
the loyal Palesmen of Leinster. The call was responded 
to with electric haste. McMahon, O’Eeilly, MacDonnell, 
Maguinness, Maguire, Nugent, Loutrell, Fitzgerald, the 
O’Neills, Clare, Galway, O’Moore, O’Dempsey, and several 
other chiefs, recruited regiments, from their respective 
households and friends, in an incredibly short time, 
numbering in all about twenty thousand men. 

The Catholics having been long deprived of the light 
to bear arms, and the Williamites having seized all the 
posts and arsenals, they had to content themselves with 
the rudest arms, such as pikes, fowling pieces, pitch- 
forks, and other improvised weapons. It is thus evident 
that the Williamites in Ireland had a decided advantage 
from the beginning. While professing submission and 
loyalty to Bang James, and feigning obedience to Tyr- 
connell, his deputy in Ireland, they were arming and 
preparing to take the fleld on the landing of William. 

Before Tyrconnell had time to act, they had seized on 


THE LA8T GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 29 

the arsenals and strong posts not only in Ulster, but 
also in the Counties of Longford, Meath, and Dublin. 

With this undisciplined, unarmed force, Tyrconnell 
opened the campaign of 1689. He had to re-enforce 
Carrickfergus and Chailemont in the north, tne id i ts 
along the Shannon, the town of Kilkenny, and the cities 
of Cork, Waterford, Dundalk, and other important sea- 
ports, which were still held by the Irish, so that thei e 
was left him for active service in the field a small army 
of about six thousand men. He divided this force 
into three corps ; one under the command of Lieutenant- 
General Justin McCarthy, afterwards Lord Mountcashel, 
to operate in Munster against Inchiquin; the second 
under Lieutenant-General Kichard Hamilton, for the 
reduction of the garrisons from Dundalk to Derry ; and 
the other, a co-operating force of about one thousand 
men, was placed under Lord Galmoy, to operate about 
Cavan and Enniskillen. 

McCarthy’s success against the Williamites in Munster 
was rapid and decisive. He drove Inchiquin back to his 
strongholds in Clare, and so sui prised the Williamites 
tha: they soon laid down their arms. 

The movements of the gallant General Hamilton were 
equally brilliant and successful. Leaving Drogheda on 
the 8th of March, with a small force of less than three 
thousand men, he marched through Dundalk and Newry, 
and on the 13th, he attacked a force of about eight 
thousand Williamites, commanded by Montgomery and 
Lord Mount Alexander, at a place called Dromore- 
Iveagh, on the north side of the Laggan, and after a 
sharp engagement, routed them, killing over four hun- 
dred, and capturing their camp equipage and other 
spoils. This disgraceful flight of The Leaguers ” is 
still sarcastically called “ The Break of Dromore.” 
Hillsborough, the headquarters of the “ League,” with 
its stores of provisions, and the papers, plans, and 


30 


saesfield; or, 


correspondence with William, was abandoned at the 
approach of Hamilton, though Sir Arthur Eawdon was 
advancing from Lisburn, at the head of four thousand 
men, to relieve it. Hamilton, having attacked Eawdon, 
he basely deserted his men, like Mount Alexander at 
Dromore, and fled to England. 

The Williamites soon evacuated Dungannon, Belfast, 
Antrim, and Ballymena, and fled to Coleraine, their last 
stronghold in Antrim. He was attacked by a strong 
force at Ballymoney, but he soon routed them, driving 
them within the gates of the town. 

Hamilton and his brave little army acquired distin- 
guished honor in this brief campaign, for, in less than 
a fortnight, they routed an army at least three times 
their number, and well armed at all points ; they recov- 
ered all the eastern counties of Ulster — ^ Armagh, Down, 
Antrim, and the greater part of Tyrone, without receiv- 
ing a single check until they halted before the walls of 
Derry. 

Galmoy’s operations were equally successful. Lord 
Blaney and Gustavus Hamilton, with their Williamite 
forces, devastated with fire and sword large portions of 
Monaghan, Cavan, and Fermanagh. The unoffending 
Catholics were driven from their homes, and several 
were massacred in cold blood. Galmoy retaliated in tho 
same fierce, bloody spirit, and “No quarter,” became 
the cry on both sides. 

The Catholics, maddened by the insults and injuries 
inflicted on them by the Williamites, rallied round Gal- 
moy, and, after a short campaign, the Williamites were 
forced to retreat to Enniskillen. Thus, in the campaigns 
of a few weeks, the “ brave defenders ” were routed on 
all sides, and compelled to take shelter within the forti- 
fied walls of Derry and Enniskillen.* 

• Enniskillen held out until after the relief of Derry, to which 
it was next in importance. It w as originally the stronghold 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 31 

Immediately after James’ arrival in Dublin he formed 
a Cabinet, the leading members of which were Tyrcon- 
nell, Mountcashel, General Nugent, and some of the 
Drench officers that formed his escort. Tyrconnell was 
appointed commander-in-chief of the army ; M. de Eosen 
was raised to the rank of lieutenant-general, and ap- 
pointed second in command ; M. de Momont was raised 
to the same rank; de Pusignan and de Lery were pro- 
moted to reajor-generals, and Boisselau was appointed 
adjutant-general. Guidow, chief of cavalry, with about 
three thousand chosen troops, was despatched to the 
support of Dundee, who was operating against the Wil- 
liamites in Scotland. 

The excitement in Dublin and throughout Ireland in 
general was intense. From all parts the leading men 
and chieftains tendered the services of themselves and 
their followers to the King, and in a few days he had an 
offer of over one hundred thousand men.f Through the 
want of arms and military supplies, he was compelled to 
decline the services of all except about twenty thousand, 
which, with those already in the service, swelled his 
army to about thirty thousand men ; while all his artil- 
lery amounted to only twelve field-pieces and four mor- 
tars. 

of the Maguires, hut passed into the hands of Sir William Cole, 
after the Civil War of 1641. It stands on a river connecting 
the upper and lower waters of Lough-Erne. The Williainites, 
though they were driven into the city by less than a third of 
their number, afterwards took the name of “ Enniskilleneis,** 
by way of distinction. An English regiment of dragoons is 
still called ‘‘ Enniskilleners,” in perpetuation of the event. 

t When we consider that at the time the population of Ire- 
land had been reduced by successive wars and cruel persecu- 
tions to about one and a half million, their alacrhy in respond- 
ing to the King’s call was creditable alike to their bravery 
and their patriotism. Hume informs us that “ not two ir every 
hundred were provided with muskets tit for service ; the rest 
were armed with clubs, and sticks tipped with iron.’* 


32 


saesfield; ob, 


With this undisciplined, badly-armed force, he was to 
compete against the chosen troops of William, who had 
lea) ned the art of war in their campaigns on the Conti- 
nent. But then James had unbounded confidence in 
receiving timely and adequate assistance from France, 
and made his dispositions accordingly. Had he but 
brought with him arms, artillery, and military supplies 
for fifty thousand men, and not relied so much upon the 
promise of French aid, he could have swept every vestige 
of the Williamites out of the country beibre the arrival 
of William himself, and thus have paved the way for 
his certain defeat. 

King James brought from France to Ireland, in March, 
1689, what he calls “ a tolerable quantity of arms,” which 
he elsewhere specifies at seven or eight thousand mus- 
kets, “ ammunition, some little money and a/eii? officers.” 
According to the most reliable accounts he was accom- 
panied by over one hundred officers and twelve hundred 
of his guards. He accounts for the smallness of this 
supply and force by the circumstance of “ Louis not be- 
ing willing to venture more arms or any men until he 
knew the condition of Ireland.” The next supply came 
over with Chateaurenaud’s fleet, which beat Admiral 
Hei bert’s in Bantry Bay on the 1st of May, 1689, Had 
Louis XIY. sent anything like an adequate French force 
to Ireland, with supplies and artillery, Derry and Ennis- 
killen would have been taken, and the Orange insur- 
gents in Ulster completely quelled before the arrival of 
Kirk’s and Schomberg’s assistance from England in July 
and August, 1689; thus rendering certain the defeat of 
the latter and even of William himself. 

Though the King, under the guidance of his able dep- 
uty, Tyrconnell, diligently attended to affairs both civil 
and military, in the meantime he received the numerous 
chiefs and leaders who had come to offer him their ser- 
vices or to pledge to him their loyalty. He held frequent 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 33 

receptions at which he familiarly entered into conversa- 
tion with the nobles and leading men of the country. 
A few days after his arrival a grand reception was held, 
at which there was a large attendance of the chiefs and 
nobles of the country with their wives and daughters. 
The reception room was crowded with “beautiful wom- 
en and brave men,” who had assembled to pay homage 
to fallen royalty. The brave General Hamilton, fresh 
with the prestige and laurels of his recent campaigns, 
Galmoy, looking the cruel, stern soldier that he was, and 
several other military chieftains, were grouped together 
discussing recent events, while around them assembled 
many of the leaders who had participated in the cam- 
paigns. 

“ It is a glorious and hopeful beginning, Hamilton,” 
said Sarsfield. “ You have had already ample satisfac- 
tion for the brutal treatment we and our men received 
from the rebels in England.” 

“ Yes, General, I must say that the manner in which 
they treated the Irish after the battle of Wincanton has 
embittered me ; however, I have in all cases treated them 
with all the rights due to enemies, but our friend Gal- 
moy, if reports speak true, has not been so lenient to 
them.” 

“Lenient!” exclaimed Galmoy, “what mercy would 
you show to murderers and cut-throats ? In our march 
through the Counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Ferma- 
nagh, we found the track of my Lord Blaney in burned 
houses and chapels, and murdered Catholics ; some shot 
beside their burning homes, others dangling from trees 
to feed the crows, while their affrighted friends were 
afraid to leave their hiding-places to give them decent 
burial. Show leniency to such savages, indeed! For 
every Catholic house I have found burned I have burned 
a Protestant one in return, and for every Catholic I have 

3 


84 SAESFIELD ; OB, 

found hung or murdered I have done the same to them 
in return.” 

“ This is rather cruel, my Lord Galmoy,” replied Sars- 
field ; “ it too often happens that by such acts of retalia- 
tion, the innocent suffer for the crimes of the guilty ; be- 
sides, it is contrary to all civilized and honorable 
warfare.” 

“ I grant you so, General Sarsfield, when you have to 
deal with honorable enemies ; but with cut-throats and 
assassins how would you act ? ” 

“ Well, I cannot well say, my Lord, for I have not been 
tried, but I think if I could not conquer them in fair 
fight, I would leave such vile work to baser mortals.” 

“ Well, well. General Sarsfield,” said Hamilton, good 
naturedly, in order to change the subject, “you wiU 
soon have a chance, for I understand that your regiment 
is ordered to join me near Coleraine, where, if the rebels 
have any pluck, they will make a determined stand, for 
they have a strong force there.” 

“ Just what I desire, General Hamilton. Since my 
return to Ireland, I am impatient to measure swords 
with the enemies of my King and my country.” 

“ Who is that fine old soldier, and that beautiful young 
lady, that have just come in with Captain O’Donnell ? ” 
asked a young officer present. 

“ He is a splendid old fellow,” said one of the senior 
officers present. 

“ She is a lovely creature — who is she ? ” exclaimed a 
gay young captain, in evident admiration of her grace 
and beauty. 

“ Colonel, I am glad to see you again, and that you have 
come to show to your King, by your presence, that your 
heart is in his cause,” said Sarsfield, as he welcomed Col.- 
McCarthy and his fair grand -daughter. 

“Thank you. General, thank you!” replied the old 
soldier. “ It makes me feel young again to see a king 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELASTD. 86 

holding^ court in Dublin Castle, and so many brave and 
gallant men around him to support his just claim.” 

Sarsfield next introduced Col. McCarthy to several of 
the generals and officers in waiting. As the old man 
appeared deeply interested in speaking over military 
events, in which many of them had participated with 
him, Sarsfield asked permission to escort Eveleen into 
an ante-room, where the ladies were in waiting, remai k- 
ing, that Lady Tyrconnell and his wife would be glad to 
form her acquaintance. 

“ Col. McCarthy, having got in such congenial com- 
pany, readily consented. 

Sarsfield, with Eveleen McCarthy leaning on his arm, 
left the spacious and lofty reception hall, and traversed 
several smaller apartments until he reached an arched 
entrance into a spacious saloon. Having entered this, 
Eveleen could plainly hear the voices and laughter of 
several ladies from an inner apartment. As one of the 
damsels of the court was passing in, he whispered a few 
words to her. Immediately a lady of a graceful and dig- 
nified appearance came out. 

“ Lady mine,” said Sarsfield, taking her by the hand, 
“ this young lady is Miss McCarthy, of whom you have 
heard myself and Captain O’Donnell speak ; allow me to 
introduce ye : Lady Sarsfield, Miss McCarthy.” 

The two ladies embraced, and Lady Sarsfield said: 

I am delighted to meet you, my dear young lady; I 
have heard so much of your family, and of yourself, too, 
from our gay friend, Captain O’Donnell, that I was 
dying to know you.” 

Eveleen felt rather embarrassed, particularly at the 
mention of her lover, and the General perceiving it, 
good-naturedly said: “Now, sweetheart, introduce her 
to Lady Tyrconnell, and the other dames, while I retire 
to the reception-room, where her grandfather is awaiting 
me? ” 


36 


saesfield; ok. 


“ Certes, my lord ; and I am sure we will be the best 
of friends. Invite him to spend the day with us, and I 
will take good care of this young lady in the meantime.’’ 

Though Lady Sarsiield was of a noble family, there 
was nothing cold or haughty in her manner ; she pos- 
sessed much of that easy freedom and gaiety of manner 
which is so fascinating in woman. She was about 
twenty-five years of age at the time, though, from her 
fresh complexion and gay manner, she might pass as 
being much younger. She introduced Eveleen to Lady 
Tyrconnell and her friends, and so greeting and cordial 
was her reception, that she soon felt quite at ease, and 
delighted with their society. 

General Sarsfield returned to the waiting room, where 
he found the old Colonel in eager conversation with 
several officers and gentlemen of the King’s suite. The 
folding doors were soon afterwards thrown open, and 
the King made his appearance. 

“ How old and care-worn he looks,” whispered Colonel 
McCarthy to Sarsfield. 

“ Yes, Colonel, quite different from what you knew 
him.” 

‘‘Ay, quite changed, indeed; what a contrast when 
compared with the gallant and brave Duke of| York? 
whom I served with in Flanders ; but, then, the Crown has 
been a crown of thorns to the poor King.” 

James looked worn and dispirited; his face was 
rather haggard, and his eyes wandered restlessly as if 
suspicious of some latent treachery in those surrounding 
him. He had lost the conscious dignity of the king, 
the proud bearing of the soldier. He was attended by 
the Duke of Berwick, his brother, the Grand Prior, the 
Duke of Powis, the Earls of Mellbrd, Dower, Seaforth, 
and Abercorn ; the two Lords Howard, the Marquis of 
Abbeville, the Bishops of Chester and Galway, with 
other nobles, both English and Irish; while in the 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 37 

reception-room, or strolling through the halls, was a 
large number of French and Irish general-officers, a 
crowd of baronets, and a large number of ecclesiastics. 

James walked up and down through the hall, convers- 
ing with those of his acquaintance, and acknowledging 
the salutes of others with courteous condescension. He 
was dressed in the official uniform of a Lord High Ad- 
miral of England, which consisted of a bright, plain 
breastpiece coming down to his hips, with a bright scar- 
let sash, fringed with gold, and crossed obliquely by a 
piece of Nazarene blue silk — the emblem of the Order of 
the Garter. The sleeves of the coat, or breastpiece, were 
of orange-colored silk, embroidered in gold and reaching 
a little below the elbows, with continuations of white 
satin and point lace ruffles to the wrists. Under this 
coat he wore broad skirts of blue cloth which reached 
to the knees, while his legs and feet were cased in white 
silk stockings and shoes. He wore a periwig, curling 
and flowing to his breast, and the ends of a white neck- 
cloth hung over his frilled shirt bosom. Like Napoleon 
with his historical gray coat, James had a fancy for ap- 
pearing in the Admiral’s unifoim upon all state occar 
sions: perhaps he imagined that it would impress the 
beholders by recalling the recollections of the bravery, 
spirit and judgment he had evinced in his earlier years, 
while Lord High Admiral. 

As he passed through the groups that filled the hall 
his eye rested on Sarsfield and his companion, and turn- 
ing to the General he asked : 

“ Who is this veteran. General Sarsfield ? Methinks 
we have seen his face before.” 

“Yes, my liege. Colonel McCarthy had the honor of 
serving under your Majesty in Flanders.” 

“ Colonel McCarthy, McCarthy — ^oh, I recollect! You 
are right welcome. Colonel,” and James warmly shook 
him by the hand. 


saesfield; ob, 


^ It recalls old times to see you, Colonel. So you are 
come to serve your King ? ” 

“ To offer him my loyalty, sire,” said the veteran, bend- 
ing in obeisance. “ Would to God that my years would 
allow me to offer him my sword.” 

‘‘ The loyalty of an old fellow-campaigner is always 
pleasing, Colonel; for in these days of treachery, loyalty 
is a rare virtue, and is stamped as crime.” After a short 
conversation the King said, good-naturedly, “ Colonel, 
there are so many fair ladies and goodly nobles waiting 
our presence, you’ll pardon me ; but you must promise to 
become a frequent visitor and guest of ours, when we 
will talk over old times and campaigns.” 

I shall feel honored in doing so, sire,” replied the 
Colonel, again bowing low to the King, as he passed on. 

Colonel McCarthy felt highly pleased with his recep- 
tion, as also did Eveleen, who was presented by Lady 
Tyrconnell to the King, and the gallant young Duke of 
Berwick and other nobles. As they had agreed to spend 
the evening with Greneral Sarsfield and his lady, the 
party left for their residence, the General promising to 
join them as soon as he had attended to some military 
matters that claimed his immediate attention. 

The city of Dublin had scarcely ever witnessed so much 
gaiety as during James’s residence there. All the beauty 
of Ireland, the noble dames and gentle damsels of the 
aristocracy, from town and country, had collected there 
to pay court to the King, and to join in the gay festivities 
that enlivened the city. The gay French gallants and 
officers seemed to fascinate the ladies to the exclusion 
of their own countrymen. The French were welcomed 
and feted on all sides, and were almost bewildered amidst 
the glances of smihng eyes, and the fascination of coral 
lips. Even the country gentlemen crowded into the 
city, and rented fashionable houses, in order to give balls 
and parties, and, perhaps, to dispose of eligible daugh- 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 39 

ters. So, between fascinating scenes of gaiety and the 
excitement consequent upon events fast maturing — for 
William’s army was daily expected to land — there was 
nothing but revelry and bustle in the city. Many of the 
Irish maidens had the good sense not to abandon their 
old lovers for the novelty of the fascinating Frenchmen. 
Among these was Eveleen. Though several gay young 
French cavaliers were perfectly captivated with her 
beauty, and the freshness and grace of her manner, 
still, they found they could not storm her heart, and had 
to rest content with a courteous acknowledgment of all 
their smiles and compliments. Lady Sarsfield soon 
formed a warm friendship for her, and, being fully sen- 
sible of Captain O’Donnell’s affection for Eveleen, she 
was pleased to see them centred on so worthy a person, 
and that they were not likely to go unrequited,— for both 
Lady Sarsfield and her husband were warm friends of 
young O’Donnell. 

The streets were crowded with the citizens, eagerly 
discussing events or watching the carriages as they 
rolled by, with their fair occupants, on their way to the 
gay assemblies. The houses were lit up, and the blaz- 
ing lights spread over the streets, giving them an ap- 
pearance of a grand illumination; while through the 
open shutters, the graceful forms of the fair revellers 
might be seen fiitting to and fro to the strains of music 
echoing from within. 

Our party spent a most agreeable evening at General 
Sarsfield’s. Col. McCarthy entertained them with inter- 
esting anecdotes of adventure and incidents of his ser- 
vices on the Continent, and was liberal in his praise of 
the bravery of James when Duke of York. There were 
but a few friends present on the occasion, and the con- 
versation was free and unembarrassed, and when the 
ladies, accompanied by Captain O’Donnell and some 
other young officers, had retired to the drawing-room, 
the events of the day were fully discussed. 


40 


saksfield; or 


Col. McCarthy, who had the pride of race and country 
strongly at heart, remarked : 

“ How is it, General Sarsfield, though the King has 
thrown himself upon the loyalty of the Irish people^ 
and has to rely upon Irish valor to restore to him his 
crown, I find that all his advisers are Frenchmen ? He 
is surrounded on all sides by Frenchmen, and the very 
guards are, to a man, Frenchmen.” 

“ So it is, Colonel ; these proud foreigners push us 
aside on our own thresholds. The French contingent 
is solely under the influence of He Kosen — in fact, 
more so than under the King — and the haughty He 
Kosen despises the poor unarmed, unequipped Irish. 
He is vain, likes show and display, and is jealous of 
his influence with his Majesty. Believe me, sir, the 
jealousies and bickerings of these vain parasites will do 
more to injure the cause of King James than the arms 
of William. The King, rashly and unwisely refused the 
aid of thirty thousand men from King Louis, who could 
have quelled the war in its infancy, and now he accepts 
a poor contingent that can be Of no real service, but will 
produce bickerings and jealousies by their assumption 
and inordinate ambition.” 

“ But are ye not in expectation of large re-inforce- 
ments from France, soon ? ” asked another of the 
company. 

“We are promised them,” replied Sarsfield; “ but we 
could do more now with a small force, than we can effect 
with double the number after some time. The William- 
ites in Enniskillen, Herry, and Coleraine are disheart- 
ened by their late defeats, and uncertain as to William’s 
expedition. With a small disciplined force, and suffi- 
cient artillery, we could reduce them before the landing 
of William’s forces, and thus crush out his power before 
his arrival ; but let these places but manage to hold out 
until he lands, and it will revive their drooping courage 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAJ^D. 41 

and stimulate the disaffected parts of the country to 
join his standard.” 

“But, is not your present force sufficient to reduce 
these few strougholds, General?” 

“Why, we have little but physical courage and 
daring in our favor; partially armed, without military 
experience or training, and with but a few scattered 
pieces of inferior artillery, what can we do? How- 
ever, if we only get a fair chance , I have no doubt but 
the brave fellows will give a good account of them- 
selves.” 

“From your conversation, General, I should infer 
that you are not hopeful of success,” said Colonel 
McCarthy. 

“ It does not become a soldier to be despondent. Colo- 
nel, but when I weigh the poor resources of King James, 
the tardy manner in which the French King is aiding 
his cause, and how James is swayed and controlled in 
all his actions by men who have nothing to gain by the 
success of our cause — men who know nothing of the 
country or its resources, and who cannot conceal their 
contempt for the poor, half-clad, but brave Irish peas- 
ants who so freely offer their services — I feel an in ward 
misgiving about the result.” 

“ It is not like King James to allow himself to be the 
dupe of any one. I knew him well when Duke of York : 
though affable and courteous to his officers, there was 
an independence and strength of will about him that 
rendered him impervious to flatterers and courtiers.” 

“ You forget. Colonel, that the Duke of York and King 
James are two different persons. We must rather pity 
the poor King than blame him. Deceived and betrayed 
by the very men whom he trusted and had raised to 
greatness, deserted by his very children, his spirit broken 
down, his very heart seemed to break, and he soon lost 
that proud independence that characterized his military 


42 


saksfield; ob, 


career, and became as plastic clay in the hands of wily 
intriguers and sycophants.” 

“ Alas ! for him,” exclaimed one of the gentlemen. “ It 
grieves me to think of his fallen condition, but it re- 
mains for us Irishmen tashow the world that misfortune 
wiU not either shake our loyalty or weaken our devo- 
tion. As for me, I freely devote my estates and life to his 
cause.” 

“ Spoken like a soldier and a gentleman,” said Sars- 
field ; “ and I might safely say that you but give expres- 
sion to the feelings that actuate not only the gentry, 
but also the peasantry of Ireland, who so enthusiasti- 
cally follow the royal standardc” 


THE LAST GBEAT STBUGGLE FOB IBELAND. 43 


CHAPTER IV. 

Lovers Young Bream — The Betrothal— The Separation, 

“ As the rose by the fountain flingrs down on the wave 
Its blushes, forgetting its glass is its grave; 

ISO the heart sheds its color on life’s early hour; 

But the heart has its fading as well as the flower ; 

When thy hopes and thy roses together lie dead, 

And thy heart turns back pining to days that are fled.** 

Colonel McCabthy, by bis honest, soldierly bliint- 
ness and polished manners, acquired in the French and 
Spanish armies, became quite a favorite with his old 
commander, the King. He attended the receptions, was 
quite the cavalier in his manner to the old ladies of the 
Court, and patronizingly affable to their daughters, many 
of whom found the old soldier, from his intimate know- 
ledge of the French language, the innocent medium of 
carrying on a harmless flirtation with the dashing, 
young French officers. The occasion was equally novel 
and pleasing to Eveleen. She spent much of her time 
with Lady Sarsfield, who became daily more attached to 
her. Though Lady Tyrconnell treated her with as much 
courtesy and attention as her haughty nature would per- 
mit, Eveleen could not warm to her cold, selflsh friend- 
ship. 

Proud Lady Tyrconnell, as the wife of the King’s vice- 
roy and adviser, looked upon herself as scarcely second 
to the King himself, and exacted as much honor and 
respect as if she were really the queen. Owins: to the 
attraction of Eveleen, Sarsfleld’s parties were the most 
patronized of any in the city, and gay young officers 
thought it a special honor to receive an invitation. 


44 


saksfield; or, 


Even the young Duke of Berwick, whose military 
genius, even at so early an age, gave promising indica- 
tions of his after greatness, was apparently captivated 
by the beauty and artless grace of Eveleen. Besides her 
high descent and beauty she had the advantages over 
most of the young ladies of the time, having learned 
from her grandfather the French language, and could 
speak it with all the grace and ease of a Frenchwoman. 
Though she agreeably enjoyed the society and pretty 
compliments of her French admirers, her heart seemed 
insensible to any warmer feeling, and she always naively 
shunned any advances that might be considered love- 
making. 

She too became an ardent loyalist, and in her pity for 
the King and his forlorn condition she felt as deeply 
interested in the stirring events and military prepara- 
tions that surrounded her on all sides, as if she were a 
young cavalier eager to flesh his maiden sword, or to 
win the spurs of knighthood. She spent much of her 
time with Lady Sarsfield, and, of course, had opportuni- 
ties of witnessing the preparations going on for the 
forthcoming campaign. Gen. Sarsfleld’s time was most- 
ly taken up in organizing his cavalry and putting 
them in order for active service, therefore the com- 
pany of Eveleen was the more agreeable to his lady. 
Lady Tyrconnell honored them with her presence occa- 
sionally, but then she was too much elated with her 
exalted position, and fond of assuming all the formal 
diginity of royalty, to be either a pleasing or interesting 
addition to their company. 

All the time that Captain O’Donnell could spare from 
his military duties was spent in the company of Eve- 
leen, either at the cottage near Glasnevin, or at General 
Sarsfield’s. Col. McCarthy became such a favorite with 
the King, that he was required to spend the most of his 
time at the Castle, and therefore Eveleen, finding it too 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 45 

lonely to remain at the cottage alone, and feeling a deep 
interest in the stirring scenes transpiring in the city, 
felt it more agreeable to spend her time with her friend 
Lady Sarsfield. 

As the campaign in the North had opened with bril- 
liant success on the side of the royalists, there were 
strong rumors that M. de Kosen, or at least the troops 
under his command, would be immediately despatched 
to re-enforce Hamilton, who lay before Coleraine. 

The officers were under orders to be ready at a mo- 
ment’s notice for a forward movement. 

It was one of those lovely evenings in April, when the 
breath of approaching summer seems to infuse itself in- 
to the colder air of spring. The little birds chirped and 
warbled as if to welcome the pleasing change. The 
blackbird and thrush warbled their notes from the 
neighboring thickets as if in pleasing rivalry. 

Eveleen was spending the evening at the cottage, for 
her grandfather had informed her in the morning that he 
would return to the cottage that evening as he was fair- 
ly worn out from playing the courtier at the castle. 
Eveleen was alone, the colonel having not yet returned. 
She had thrown open the window to inhale the fresh 
breeze, and to listen to the warbling of the feathered 
minstrels that seemed to strive to tire each other down. 
The children played in front of the neighboring cot- 
tages, while the little boys, having caught up the milita- 
ry enthusiasm that fired their fathers, were playing sol- 
diers on the street. 

She had remained sitting at the window for some 
time, until the waning light and the cold night breeze 
admonished her to retire. She rose, and was about 
closing the window, when the little gate opened, and the 
sound of a manly step could be heard on the gravelled 
walk. 

“ Ha,” she exclaimed ; ‘‘ here comes grandfather. I am 


46 


sassfield; or, 


so glad, for somehow I felt lonely. I can t account for 
it, but there are times when coming events seem to 
darken the present with their evil forebodings. Some 
unknown sorrow often chills the gayest heart and a 
nameless fear the boldest spirit. Well, I’ll get lights 
and make the room look cheerful, for the very fire has 
burned dimly, and looks as if it were ashamed to light 
up into a cheerful blaze.” 

So saying, she stirred up the fire and was about placing 
lights, when the door opened, and, instead of the Colo- 
nel, she was saluted by her cousin. 

“O Hugh!” she exclaimed, ‘‘I thought it was my 
grandfather. I am so glad you have come, however, for 
I was here all alone, and felt so lonely that I thought I 
would fiy to my Lady Sarsfield, or rush into the city and 
join the King’s standard, just by way of change.” 

And what had my fair cousin to fear ? ” asked Hugh, 
as he courteously kissed the proffered little hand, and 
then led her to a seat, he taking one beside her. 

“Nothing, I should say; but then, Hugh, there are 
moments when the heart seems to penetrate the veil 
that conceals the future, and to grow chill at the dark 
mysteries it unfolds.” 

“ So, my fair cousin has been moralizing, and trying 
to evoke dark shadows from the future to cloud the 
present ? ” said Hugh, as he drew her gently towards 
him. “No, dear Eveleen, your heart is too young and 
pure to allow the sunshine of its future to be clouded 
by any such fancies: but then, you have brooded so 
much on the wrongs of our good King, and the blood 
that must be shed to restore to him his own. that the 
refiection has made sad the heart of my sweet cousin.” 

“ It may be so, Hugh, for I must confess when I see 
the King so gentle, so humble, so sad, and think how 
greatly he has been wronged, I am almost ready to cry. 
And then think how many brave men must be sacri- 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAlTD. 47 

ficed, how many homes made desolate, how many wid- 
ows and orphans left to mourn, how many loving hearts 
separated Jorever; and all this because the husband of 
an ungrateful daughter wishes to usurp the rights of 
her injured father.’’ 

It is cruel and unnatural, dear Eveleen, but there 
are plenty of brave hearts and sharp swords ready and 
willing to restore him to his royal dignity again. As 
God is always with the just. He will not allow the cause 
founded on such a base usurpation as that of Wilham’s 
to triumph.” 

“ I trust so, Hugh, I am told that Hamilton is driving 
the Williamites before him in the North, and it is 
rumored that troops are to be immediately despatched 
to his assistance.” 

“ Such is the case, dear cousin, and I expect that our 
regiment will be the first ordered to join him.” 

“ And when do you expect the order to march ? ” 

“ Every moment, dear.” 

Eveleen sighed, and then said : ‘‘ Hugh, we will be left 
unprotected after your departure ; I and my poor grand- 
father.” 

“Not so, dear, a large force will still be retained in 
Dublin, and it is Lady Sarsfield’s wish that ye should 
reside with her until the result of the campaign is 
known.” 

“ She has not spoken to me about it, Hugh.” 

“ No, because she did not wish to alarm you ; besides, 
we did not expect marching orders so soon.” 

“ Then ye have got orders to march? ” asked Eveleen, 
with trepidation. 

“ There is no use in concealing it from you, Eveleen, 
we have.” 

“ When?” 

“ As I have told you, our orders were sudden and un- 
expected. It is rumored that William is making great 


48 


saesfield; oe, 


preparations in England to carry on the war in Ireland, 
and as it is thought advisable to wipe out the rebellion 
in the North before his arrival, we march immediately to 
lay siege to Derry, which is the chief stronghold now 
held by the Williamites.” 

“ But when do ye go, Hugh ? ” 

To-morrow morning, dear.” 

“ To-morrow morning ! ” she exclaimed, with a con- 
vulsive shudder. To-morrow morning, so soon, and we 
may never meet again ! ” 

Despite all her heroism, this announcement took her 
by surprise ; her love and pity for the exiled King were 
for a moment forgotten. The horrors and uncertainty 
of war rushed upon her mind ; and the heart, true to its 
natural impulses, throbbed with a dread that cruel war 
was going to rob her of all she loved and cherished on 
earth. 

Hugh pressed his arm around her waist and drew her 
towards him, as he said: “Be not disheartened, sweet 
cousin, God will protect those who confide in him. I 
feel that I will return safe, but before I go, dear Eveleen, 
I would wish to have a talisman to cheer and protect 
me, and that is the assurance of your love ; that once 
plighted to me, I will feel that I possess a treasure 
worth living for. And though I would not preserve life, 
even for such a precious treasure, by one cowardly act ; 
still, I will feel that I have something worth living for, 
and shall not recklessly sacrifice myself.” 

She remained silent, but her heaving bosom expressed 
the intensity of her feelings. 

“ Eveleen dear ! ” exclaimed Hugh, “ say you love me ; 
that you will bless me with your love ! ” 

“ Hugh, there is no need for words to say it, you know 
I love you, that I have always loved you, and you alone.” 

The young soldier sealed this avowal with a kiss upon 
her innocent brow, and, as he drew her head to nestle 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 49 

upon his strong bosom, he said : God bless you, dear 1 
this is a joy almost too great to bear — a joy almost too 
thrilling to resign so soon ; but then God will protect 
me and watch over my darling during my absence.” 

Yes, Hugh, let us put our faith and trust in Him, and 
He will not forsake us.” 

I know it, love, but it is hard when one has found so 
great a treasure as a good and beautiful woman’s love to 
resign it so soon. Do you know, love, that I am almost 
tempted to play the coward and remain with my dar- 
ling?” 

“ Hugh, though I feel no difficulty in saying that 1 love 
you, love you with all the true devotion and novel rap- 
ture of a first love, yet, I wouid not try to keep you from 
the path to which honor, country and duty call you. I 
would sooner see you laid in your young grave than have 
it said that you deserted your king in his hour of need, 
or your country in her day of trouble; or that you 
stained, with one cowardly act or dishonorable rec ord 
the honored name you bear and the proud stock whose 
blood flows in your veins. Death and separation are 
hard to bear by young and loving hearts that are en- 
twined by the brightest hopes of life, but they are far 
preferable to cowardice or dishonor.” 

“ Iffiere now,” exclaimed her lover, with a laugh. ‘‘ I 
knew that the best way to rouse your spirits would be 
to affect the coward. Fear not, little one, the name of 
your lover will never be sullied by one cowardly or dis- 
honorable act. Should it be, precious as you are to me, 
I would never see your sweet face again.” 

“ Forgive me, Hugh, for what I have said. I did not 
mean it. I know your noble, generous nature too well 
to entertain any such doubts about you. I shall pray for 
you when away, and if you should get wounded or be 
ill, try and let me know and I will take care of you.” 

The time passed pleasantly with the young couple, 

4 


60 


sarsfield; or, 


thus absorbed in love’s youug dream, until the arrival 
of the Colonel, accompanied by General Sarsfield. 

The conversation naturally turned upon events trans- 
piring both in England and Ireland. 

“ So you think, General,” said Col. McCarthy, “ that the 
Williamites will be crushed in the North before the 
Prince of Orange can send over sufficient troops to the 
support of his adherents ? ” 

‘* It is hard to say; the Williamites of the North have 
displayed little fighting qualities so far. They have been 
routed on all sides by the inferior forces of Hamilton 
and Galmoy, and, unless the Prince of Orange hastens to 
reinforce them, they cannot hold out long before our 
concentrated forces. I might say that they now hold 
only two positions of any importance in the North, 
namely: Derry and EnniskiUen. If these towns are 
strongly fortified, well garrisoned, and bravely defended, 
they can make a stubborn resistance, and, perhaps, hold 
out until the arrival of the English, for we are miser- 
ably defective in artillery, and must chiefly depend upon 
raids, dashes, and field engagements.” 

“ But there appears to be a strong reaction in England, 
General, in favor of James; the very men who plotted 
his overthrow now desire his restoration. The people 
had been taken by surprise, and now find that they are 
governed by Dutch and German mercenaries. I am 
even informed that the dignitaries of the Established 
Church are much opposed to him, and that when his 
queen, Mary, asked the blessing of the Archbishop of 
Canterbury, his reply was, ‘ When you have received 
your father’s blessing I shall be ready to give you mine.’ 
And reports state that in several places the Dutch and 
English have come into collision, and that a whole 
Scotch regiment has mutinied, and Scotland still holds 
out against the usurper.” 

“ This may be all true, Colonel, and I believe it is, for 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 61 

William is of a dark, taciturn nature, and not likely to 
make friends of the English people; besides, he has 
shown such partiality for his Dutch followers as to fill 
places of trust and honor with them to the exclusion of 
the English ; but we must not forget that he has the 
army with him, and that the very lords and nobles who 
plotted against James, and now would desire his resto- 
ration, are compelled to consult their own interests and 
adhere to William, no matter how they hate or despise 
him.” 

“ Then you expect. General, that William will be able 
to throw forces into Ireland, and that the war will be a 
protracted one ? ” 

“ Such is my opinion ; but if King Louis use despatch 
in forwarding troops, artillery and supplies, we may have 
the rebellion crushed out in the North before William’s 
arrival, and, therefore, be in a better position to oppose 
him.” 

As it was getting advanced in the night, Sarsfield in- 
terrupted the conversation by remarking that it was time 
they should return to quarters, and then turning to Eve- 
leen he said: ‘‘Lady Sarsfield has sent her compliments 
to you. Miss McCarthy, and requests that you and Col. 
McCarthy will reside with her during our absence. My 
friend the Colonel has already consented, and I hope 
you will be kind enough to do the same.” 

“ Yes, my dear child,” said the Colonel, “ I know that 
we would be exposed to some danger in this lonely cot- 
tage in these disturbed times ; besides, the Parliament 
will soon meet, and as I am not young enough to take 
the field, my counsel may be of some use to the King, so 
I wish to be near him.” 

Seeing Eveleen hesitate, Sarsfield said in a jocose tone, 

Miss Eveleen, your refusal would be a great disappoint- 
ment to Lady Sarsfield ; besides, the gay gallants and cav- 
aliers will thank me for your charming presence there.” 


62 


saksfield; or, 


Eveleen smiled and looked at Hugh, who, affection- 
ately taking her hand, said: “ Colonel McCarthy, before 
I leave, I wish to say that I have asked the hand of your 
fair daughter. I have given her the honest love of a sol- 
dier, and she has given me her heart in return. We ask 
your consent to our union when more peaceable times 
return ? ” 

Eveleen modestly hung down her head, while the arm 
of her lover encircled her waist. 

“ What says my pet ? ” asked the old man. 

“ That I love him,” was her timid reply. 

“ God bless ye then, my children I ” exclaimed Colonel 
McCarthy, “ and take the blessing of an old man whose 
heart is made glad by the knowledge that, when his old 
bones rest with his fathers, his pet shall have the protec- 
tion of a husband worthy of her.” 

So saying, he placed a hand on each of their heads, as 
they reverently knelt before him, and invoked heaven’s 
blessing on them. 

This loving and solemn scene almost affected Sarsfield 
to tears. He congratulated the young lovers, and 
imprinted a kiss on the cheek of Eveleen, 

It was finally agreed that Eveleen and the Colonel 
should join Lady Sarsfield in Dublin the following day, 
and then the two officers bade them a sad but affectionate 
farewell. 

After their departure, Eveleen felt her young heart 
full of a deep, absorbing love for her betrothed, yet a 
spasm of pain chilled her as she refiected on the dan- 
gers to which he would be exposed. 

Colonel McCarthy sat beside her with his hand lov- 
ingly resting upon her head. The old man spoke not but 
seemed to be wrapped in some pleasing vision. The 
dreams and hopes of his life rose before him, and he 
fancied that they would still be realized through his 
darling child. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOB IRELAIJD. 63 

How often did he yearn to see the old family Castle 
of MacCaura, with its broad acres, restored to its prince- 
ly owners. How often did he, in imagination, look 
down from its turrets on the silvery Suir, and wander 
over the proud old Galtees. Who knows, perhaps it 
was no dream, and that he would spend the evening of 
life amidst scenes so dear — scenes hallowed by his earli- 
est recollections and the brave deeds of his noble 
ancestors ! 


64 


sarsfield; or. 


CHAPTEK Y. 

Tlie Mustering in the North — Evacuation of Coleraine — Battle 
of Cladyford— King James before Derry — TheEoyal Camp 
— Siege of Derry, 

** Long as valor shtneth, 

Or mercy’s soul at war lepineth, 

So long shall Erin’s pride 

Tell how they lived and died ! ” Moore. 

The scene changes from the gay festivities and bril- 
liant receptions that enlivened Dubhn, to the stirring 
theatre of war in the North. The Duke of Berwick was 
ordered to re*inforce General Hamilton on the east side 
of the Bann, in his design on Coleraine, while a select 
body of Irish cavalry and infantry, with two light 
field-pieces, under command of the Marquis de Pusig- 
nau, advanced northward by Charlemont and Dungan- 
non along the west of Lough Neagh and the Bann, with 
the intention of opening a communication through 
Portglenone Bridge with Hamilton and Berwick. The 
object of this movement was to threaten the enemies’ 
communication with Derry, and thus to compel them to 
abandon Coleraine. Early in April, Pusignan, under 
whom was Sarsfield’s celebrated cavalry regiment, attack- 
ed the enemy near Moneymore, and drove them with 
great slaughter, compelling them to give up Maghera- 
felt, Dawson’s Bridge, Balloghy, New Ferry, and all the 
other posts and passes on the left side of the Bann, 
leading to Coleraine. At Portglenone, though the bridge 
was destroyed, and the pass was guarded by a strong re- 
doubt and a large force, still, Sarsfield at the head of his 
cavalry dashed across the river, stormed the redoubt 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 65 

and routed the enemy at the point of the sabre. Cole- 
raine was garrisoned by three thousand Williamites, 
strongly entrenched ; yet, after the forcing of the pass 
of Portglenone, fearing that their communication with 
Derry would be cut off, they hastily evacuated the place 
and fell back towards Derry. 

Hamilton and Berwick entered Coleraine and garri- 
soned the town with Colonel O’Moore’s regiment. The 
passes of the Finn and Foyle on the Bann were held by 
Lieutenant Colonel Lundy with a strong force of over 
ten thousand men. Hamilton, Berwick and Pusignan 
concentrated their forces on this strong position. The 
pass at Cladyford, which was the key of Lundy’s position, 
was guarded by about six thousand men, protected by 
breast works, and the bridge in their front broken down. 

The river in front of Lundy’s position was deep and 
rapid, while his right and left were protected by morass- 
es impassable to cavalry. Hamilton determined to at- 
tack this formidable position with the small advance 
force of about four hundred infantry and six hundred 
cavalry. Having advanced his infantry to the broken 
bridge they opened on the enemy with such good effect 
as to dislodge them from the trenches, which they fol- 
lowed up by hastily constructing a bridge of planks, 
and then dashed over, making a lodgment in the aban- 
doned works. 

Meantime, the cavalry, taking advantage of this diver- 
sion, forded the river and formed on Lundy’s right, 
while a squadron of dragoons under De Eosen attacked 
their left. The Williamite^ became disconcerted and 
panic-stricken, and disgracefully fled, being driven furi- 
ously by Sarsfield’s regiment as far as Eaphoe, a distance 
of five miles. 

The Duke of Berwick in his memoirs says : 

“We killed about four hundred of them on the spot, 
but the rest, being favored by the morasses, found means 
to escape.” 


66 


saksfield; oe, 


In this engagement the Irish lost but one officer and 
two men, who were drowned in crossing the river. 

The Irish took possession of Raphoe, and were there 
joined by Lord Galmoy and eight hundred men, with 
the intention of immediately advancing on Derry. 

Meantime, the Irish were equally successful elsewhere. 
Lord Kingston, who with four thousand infantry and 
cavalry, occupied the frontier of Ulster and Connaught, 
fell back towards Ballyshannon, harrassed by the Irish 
of Monaghan under OTarrell. His Lordship, having 
reached Stranorlar, five miles from Raphoe, learned of 
the defeat at Cladyford, and also that the Irish forces 
were between him and Raphoe, in fear and trepidation 
dismissed his army and fied to England. 

At Dromore-Iveagh about eight thousand Williamites 
were routed by one-fourth their number of Irish soldiers 
and Rapparees ; while at Hillsborough about four-thou- 
sand more, under Sir Arthur Rawdon, fied before the 
same force. Culmore Fort, Castle Derg, and several oth- 
er sti’ong positions in Ulster were either evacuated or 
captured. Thus, in a few weeks, the whole Williamite 
force in Ulster was routed, or driven into Derry and 
Enniskillen with a fo'^ce not one-third their number. 

The Irish had established their headquarters at Rap- 
hoe in order to concentrate their forces on Derry. While 
here, a deputation arrived from Derry to treat for its sur- 
render. A conference took place, and Hamilton, fully 
conscious of the importance of Derry to the Jacobite 
cause, had offered the garrison favorable terms, which 
they were inclined to accept. While the negotiation 
was going on, King James arrived from Dublin on the 
18th of April. 

The Jacobite camp occupied a rising ground, a little 
at the Derry side of Johnstown, and presented a gay 
and imposing scene. Though the royal army was poor- 
ly clad and badly equipped, with the exception of the 
small French contingent, still they presented a martial 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAXD. 67 

appearance, and were full of ardor in the King’s cause. 
The Irish levies, numbering about fourteen thousand, 
were deficient in arms, uniforms, and even in that dis- 
cipline necessary to render an army effective in the field. 
The French auxiliaries exclusively occupied the camp, 
while the Irish shifted for themselves, as best they 
could, in the village and neighboring farm houses. 
Since the landing of the first French contingent at Kin- 
sale, they invariably maintained towards the Irish levies 
an air of superiority, which led to frequent contentions, 
and even some blood-shed, for the Irish, though poorly 
clad and equipped, felt conscious that they had done 
the hardest share of the fighting during the late cam- 
paign, and were too proud to submit to the sneers of 
the French soldiers, who tried to depreciate and humble 
them in their own land. 

The French camp presented a very pretty and bustling 
scene. The sight of a well-organized army with their 
regular encampments, laid out in streets, with the men 
dressed in rich uniforms, and the horses prancing, as if 
to display their gaudy caparisons, is one that tends to 
fire the heart with martial spirit, and all the pomp and 
glory of war. 

On the slope of an eminence stood the royal tent, 
richly decked and adorned; while near it, in uniform 
order, were pitched the tents of the King’s retinue, offi- 
cers and guards. The royal standard floated in front of 
the King’s tent, while generals, aids and officers, throng- 
ed a round the enclosure some to have council with the 
King, others the bearers of despatches. In a large tent 
near the royal pavilion, sat James, surrounded by his 
chief officers and advisers. The King looked somewhat 
anxious and careworn. His face had lost much of that 
bold and haughty expression which characterized him 
when Duke of York. Though little over fifty years of 
age, care and disappointment made him look much old- 


68 


sarsfielb; or, 


er. He wore a flowing periwig, which descended over 
his shoulders and back. His round gray hat, looped up 
in front, displayed a gorgeous plume, which was secured 
by a brilliant cross. A royal star, clustered round by 
several orders, blazoned on his breast. His long boots 
were furnished with golden spurs, and his whole dress 
bespoke the greatest care and attention. On his right 
hand stood his Grace the Duke of Berwick, and his 
French Generals, while on his left were the most promi- 
nent of his Irish officers. The most distinguished of 
these, both in appearance and military fame, were Gen- 
erals Sarsfleld and Hamilton. 

Sarsfield was then in the prime of life, or about 
forty years, of a tall, straight and robust frame. His 
features were strong and well defined, displaying much 
earnestness and resolution. He was rather plainly 
dressed in an unembroidered buff coat, over which he 
wore a rusty cuirass. He had on great Jack boots, and 
he wore his own long flowing hair instead of the periwig 
then so much in vogue. The whole tout en semhle of 
this unpretentious, but dashing soldier, was in strong 
contrast to the rich dresses and gay trappings of the 
French officers. 

Hamilton, though the compeer of Sarsfield in all that 
was dashing and brave, presented a very different 
appearance and mien. He .was scarcely thirty years old at 
the time, and presented as fine a figure as if moulded 
for an Apollo. His features were haughty and expres- 
sive, while his cheeks, as soft as a woman’s, possessed 
the peachy tint of health and beauty. 

He was richly dressed. Gold fringe and lace bedecked 
his coat and scarlet vest. His breastpiece shone like a 
mirror, and his very boots were made so as to display 
the symmetry of his well-proportioned limbs. General 
Hamilton had already won reputation as a soldier in 
France, and it was whispered that his career there was 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 69 

interrupted by a sentence of banishment, in consequence 
of an affair de cceur with the Princess Conti, daughter to 
King Louis. 

The French officers were all dressed in the richest 
uniforms, all bespangled with gold and lace, and ob- 
served as much etiquette and ceremony as if playing the 
courtiers at the Court of France. 

The King had assembled his Generals and council to 
discuss the terms to be offered to the deputation sent 
by the citizens of Berry to treat for a surrender. The 
terms granted were most favorable to the besieged, and 
it was agreed that James should take possession of the 
city on the following day. 

When it was proclaimed in Berry that Governor 
Lundy had agreed to surrender the city to King James 
the following day, the partisans of Walker and Murray 
warmly appealed to the passions of their fanatical 
followers. They fired the passions of the excited crowds 
by representing James as a bigot and murderer, who, as 
soon as he got possession of the city, would compel 
them to kiss the Mass book, or ruthlessly massacre 
them. They accused Lundy of being a traitor and 
Jacobite, until the people became so infuriated against 
him that hie barely escaped with his life. 

Kext morning King James, in accordance with the 
contract of the previous day, rode forward at the head 
of a cavalcade of gay officers, followed by a strong 
column of troops, in order to receive the surrender of 
“ the good citizens of Berry.’’ The royal colors floated 
in the breeze, and the bands played martial airs as they 
approached the gates. The Bang and his retinue had 
halted within two hundred yards of the gate, expecting 
to see them thrown open to receive him. 

Instead of a welcome. Parson Walker was treacher- 
ously plotting his destruction. 

As the royal troops halted just under the walls. 


60 


SAE8FIELD; OB, 


Walker rushed to a gunner, named Spike, and whispered 
to him: “Yonder is the Popish tyrant, is your gun 
ready? ” 

“ Yes, and well charged. Which is he ? ’ 

“ Look at that crowd of gay officers in front of the 
army. See you not the man on the gray horse surround- 
ed by the others ? That is the tyrant ! ” 

“ All right I ” exclaimed Spike as he sighted his gun. 

“ Lower her a little,” whispered Walker. 

“ All light, all right ! he cannot escape,” replied the 
other. 

“ Then touch her in the name of the good and pious 
King William,” whispered the other. 

James Spike applied the match, when off went the 
gun with a flash and a roar, and a mouthful of shot for 
King James. For a moment there was consternation in 
the ranks of James; an aid-de-camp dropped dead at 
the King’s side, while others in the ranks fell, killed or 
wounded. The King had no artillery, not for a moment 
expecting such a treacherous reception ; he, therefore, 
turned his horse’s head and returned back to camp. One 
single horseman remained for a moment behind him, 
and turned his face towards the city. He stood as if mo- 
tionless with astonishment at such a base, cowardly piece 
of treachery, then he wheeled his horse round and fol- 
lowed his friends. This officer, whose generous nature 
and brave heart could scarcely realize the fact that any 
men could plot such murderous deception, was no other 
than General Sarsfield. 

After this base attempt to take the King’s life there 
was an end to all compromise, and the arch-plotter. 
Walker, having induced Colonel Lundy to fly from the 
city, had himself proclaimed Governor. We must, how- 
ever, do him the justice to state that there was no other 
man in Derry so fitting for the position, for it took a 
man of iron will and unbending resolution to control 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAITD. 61 

the mutinous spirit of the citizens during the long and 
trying siege that followed. 

The town of Derry, rendered memorable by the deter- 
mined defence of the citizens against King James, stands 
on the western bank of the river Foyle, about five miles 
above its expansion into a lake of the same name. 
Built on a rising ground, the houses rising tier over tier, 
it presents rather a picturesque appearance. On the 
western side it is sheltered by an irregular line of hills 
stretching far into the County Donegal. At the time 
of the Revolution it was a small place and simply occu- 
pied the crest of a hill, but was surrounded by a strong 
wall and intrenchments. It has since grown in popular 
tion and importance, and, to-day, extends over the very 
grounds where James’s army sat down in their intrench- 
ments to carry on the siege. 

On the 20th of April the King returned to Dublin to 
meet the Irish Parliament, which had been convoked for 
the 7th of May. He was escorted by the flower of the 
French army, leaving the rest to assist their Irish allies 
to reduce Derry. 

The Jacobite army invested the city so as to shut off 
all supplies, but were not able to do it much more harm, 
for, according to the authentic evidence of the Duke 
of Berwick, they had but six pieces of siege artillery, 
while, by their own acknowledgment, the besieged had 
twenty pieces of serviceable cannon. 

The relative forces of the two armies were equally 
disproportionate, if we take into account their relative 
positions. The besieged had a force of seven thousand 
five hundred soldiers and officers within the walls of a 
strongly fortified city, while the Irish were able to leave 
for the investment of Derry a force of only about six 
thousand men, for the remainder of the army had to 
operate against the Williamites in various other parts of 
Ulster, chiefly at Enniskillen. The defenders of Derry 


62 


saksfield; or, 


have been eulogized by English and Orange writers as 
surpassing in bravery the famous defenders of Troy, but 
a truthful statement of the relative strength and advan- 
tages of both armies greatly detracts from their 
boasted heroism. In the first place the besieged, having 
an army much superior in numbers to any the Irish could 
bring against them, allowed themselves to be cooped up 
in a fortified city, subjected to all the horrors of famine 
and disease, for three months, that is, from the 20th of 
April to the 30th of July, when they were relieved by 
Kirk’s ships from England, which ran the blockade ow- 
ing to the want of sufficient artillery on the part of the 
Irish to stop them. Again, they owed their success 
more to the humanity of James, than to any merit of 
their own ; for, after their treacherous attempt to take 
his life, he allowed all that desired to leave the city to 
do so, and fully ten thousand out of the thirty thousand 
persons then in the city availed themselves of this privi- 
lege. 

As the garrison, when relieved, was reduced to two 
days’ subsistence, or about nine lean horses, and a pint of 
meal to each person, it could not possibly have held out 
so long had those remained in the city. In fact, the resist- 
ance of Derry was rather an affair of position and artil- 
lery than of men and courage. Had its defense depended 
upon anything like Spartan heroism it never would have 
gained that bloated notoriety given to it by fanatical 
preachers and bigoted scribblers. Only for the oppor- 
tune arrival of General Kiik’s forces the garrison should 
have surrendered within a few days at most. We ask, 
would brave men allow themselves to be starved out 
by a much smaller force without sallying out and at- 
tacking their enemies, particularly when they were 
aware that their friends were making frequent sor- 
ties on the Irish army in their favor? 

The pious and loyal defenders of Derry knew full well 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 63 

that with their strong walls and superior artillery they 
were perfectly safe from the assaults of the Irish army 
with their few pieces of cannon, and they chose rather 
to starve and trust to events changing in their favor than, 
like brave men, take the chances of battle. The fact is, 
they had been so well whipped by the Jacobin army, be- 
fore they had retreated into Derry, that they did not dare 
attack them.* 

In the meantime, while the royal army closely invested 
the beleagured city, the insurgents throughout Ulster 
were making desperate efforts to force them to raise the 
sieges of Derry and Enniskillen. 

As the writer’s object in this work is not so much to 
give a history of the war between William and James in 
Ireland, as to recount the share our hero had taken in it, 
I will confine myself to a short sketch of the fighting in 
Ulster previous to the landing of Schomberg’s army. 
During the blockade the Orange insurgents throughout 
Ulster inade desperate attempts to compel the Irish to 
raise the siege by harassing their rear and by concen- 
trating at various points. These movements forced the 
Irish to weaken the besieging forces in order to defeat 
the rebels. About the 28th of April, Lieutenant Colonel 
Talbot, with two regiments of infantry, one troop of 
horse and one troop of dragoons, defeated a rebel force 
of over three thousand men near Cumber, on Lough 
Strangford. About the middle of June, the Duke of 

♦According to General Hamilton’s private letter to King 
James, the Irish army investing Derry numbered only 6^000 
men and six pieces of artillery. According to Governor vV alk- 
er’s report the Orange army garrisoning the city numbered 
7s500 men and twenty piecesof artillery. The Duke of Berwick 
sots It down at 10,000 men and thirty pieces of artillery. 

The Irish had lo remove some of their guns from before the 
walls to prevent Kirk's vessels from sailing up the river by 
Caimore to the relief of the town. From this it is evident that 
all the advantages were in favor of the besieged. 


64 


saesfield; or, 


Berwick marched from Derry through Donegal, and fell 
suddenly upon a Williamite force in the rear of the royal 
army before Derry, and routed them, capturing 1,500 
oxen and 80 horses. On the 22nd, Lord Galmoy, with 
about one thousand men, compelled a large force to take 
shelter in the Castle of Crom, on Lough Erne, which he 
was unable to reduce for the want of artillery. 

The Duke of Berwick, having well chastised the rebels 
of Donegal in his march, established his headquarters at 
Trellick. 

Sarsfield, at the head of three troops of horse, one of 
dragoons, and three battalions of foot, comprising in 
all about five hundred men, cleared the country along 
tiie southeast side of Lough Erne, striking terror into 
the enemy wherever he encountered them. He, with his 
horse, was continually harassing the small camps and 
posts of the rebels, and frequently encountered forces 
three times his strength with equal success. His fine, 
martial appearance at the head of his command, as he 
swept on the enemy, inspired his troops with confidence 
and the Williamites with terror. After scouring the 
country, he arrived at Belturbet on the 10th of June, 
where he received an order from De Rosen to march to 
Omagh to protect the besieging army at Derry from 
rebel attacks in its rear from Enniskillen. He encoun- 
tered several detachments of the Enniskillen army on 
his march, and in every encounter drove them back to 
the main body. Sutherland, who was co-operating with 
Sarsfield, reached the vicinity of Belturbet on the 16th 
of June. Here he found that Sarsfield had departed for 
Omagh, and that he was threatened by the united Wil- 
liamite forces under Hamilton, Wolseley and Lord Bla- 
ney, numbeiing about 15,000, while his little command 
scarcely numbered fifteen hundred effective men. The 
Williamites having seized a narrow pass in Sutherland’s 
rear, so as to cut off his retreat, manoeuvred to intercept 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 65 

his line of march. Sutherland left Lieutenant Colonel 
Scott and two hundred and eighty men in the church- 
yard of Belturbet to check the enemy’s advance, while 
he himself skilfully eluded the rebels’ design of inter- 
cepting him. and brought his command in safety to Sligo. 

The Enniskilleners, enraged at this successful move- 
ment, fell upon Scott’s command with their whole force, 
and after a violent resistance compelled him to surrender. 

Early in July, Sarsdeld’s command, after having chas- 
tised the bullying forces between Enniskillen and 
Berry, found the Duke of Berwick at Trelhck. 

The Williamites from Fermanagh, Cavan, Leitrim 
Monaghan, Donegal, and Sligo, being whipped in their 
encounters with the royalists, all concentrated in and 
around Enniskillen, which bad now become their head- 
quarters.. With their large force they were able to send 
out heavy columns to harass the royalists besieging 
Berry. Several of these bodies were encountered and 
defeated by the cavalry under Sarsfield, Hamilton, and 
other Jacobin officers. 

Sarsfield’s junction with the Duke of Berwick was for 
the purpose of harassing the rebels around Enniskillen. 

On the 13th of July they advanced from Trellick with 
this intention. Sarsfield was thrown forward with a 
party to reconnoitre the enemy’s position, when he was 
attacked by an ambuscaded force. Despite the sudden- 
ness of the attack, the strength of the enemy, and their 
advantageous position, Sarsfield turned on them, killing 
the most of their infantry, and, driving their horse 
within their intrenchments, returned with several 
prisoners, two colors, and a quantity of arms. While 
Berwick was thus hemming in the Enniskilleners, and 
concentrating forces for an assault on the fortifications, 
he was unfortunately ordered by De Kosen to fall back 
to Derry ; and thus, he had to abandon the expedition 
against Enniskillen. He bitterly alludes to this in his 

5 


66 


sarsfield; or, 


memoirs in the following words: “It is true, we had 
few, if any, cannon-balls, and scarce any ammunition ; but 
yet, as the fort of Enniskillen was only a mud fort, we 
might have carried it ; besides, the town being entirely 
unfortified, we should have got possession of it, and by 
that means have obliged the fort to surrender.” 

Marshal De Eosen, as commander of the army, neither 
showed ability, tact, nor due deference for the opinions 
of his officers, and thus disconcerted almost every 
movement that promised success. 

The recall of the troops under Berwick and Sarsfield 
left the Enniskilleners free to renew their excursions 
and to strengthen their fortifications. Their forces 
daily augmented, and the country, from Bailyshannon 
around to Belturbet, was daily ravaged and overran by 
them. Towards the end of July their forces had swelled 
up to about five thousand, and they held strong positions 
around the shores of the lake, having large depots at 
Bailyshannon, Enniskillen, and Crom Castle. They had 
also received from England ten pieces of cannon, ammu- 
nition to suit, fifty barrels of gunpowder, a supply of 
arms, with officers, and eight hundred veterans of Kirk’s 
command, under Colonel Berry. 

To encounter this formidable force, Justin McCar- 
thy, lately created Lord Mountcashel, arrived at Beltur- 
bet on the 27th of July, with a force of three thousand 
six hundred men, and seven pieces of artillery. 

On the following day he invested Crom Castle. On 
the 30th he had carried the outer works and driven the 
enemy within their fortifications. Sarsfield, who had 
been ordered back to co-operate with Mountcashel, held 
the south-western side of the lake with three regiments 
of foot, three troops of horse and one of dragoons, in 
order to protect the coutitry towards Connaught against 
the raids of the Enniskilleners. 

The loss of the Duke of Berwick’s forces was now se- 


THE LAST GREAT STRLGGLE FOR IRELAKD. 67 

verely felt by Mountcasliel, for, had they remained, Ber- 
wick could have kept the forces in Enniskillen in check; 
and if they attempted a sally on Mountcashel they 
would have been placed between the two Irish armies. 
Mountcashel was therefore left to contend, with his 
small force, against the troops in Enniskillen and the 
outlying posts along the lake. Colonel Creighton, the 
commandant of Crom, finding himself hard pressed, 
sent urgent entreaties to Enniskillen for relief. Berry, 
with his regiment of veterans, immediately marched 
from Enniskillen, by Lisnaskea, to the support of 
Creighton. Mountcashel, being apprised of this move- 
ment, posted himself at Newtownbutler, about two 
miles from Crom, so as to keep the garrison in check, 
or to encounter the enemy, as opportunity might offer. 
On the 31st he sent Colonel Hamilton with O’Brieffs 
regiment of dragoons towards Lisnaskea. Berry fell 
back before them and formed a junction with Wolseley 
and Hamilton, who had marched from Enniskillen with 
about three thousand men to support him. Colonel 
Berry being pressed by the Irish, took up a strong posi- 
tion at the head of a narrow causeway, his flanks being 
covered by a bog. 

The Irish, undeterred by the nature of the position 
and the strong force guarding it, boldly charged on 
them. 

The brave and gallant Colonel Hamilton, who was 
Major General under Mountcashel, dismounted, and or- 
dering the dragoons to do the same, he then led them up 
the causeway, sword in hand. The enemy, from their 
ambushed position, opened a heavy fire on the advancing 
column. Hamilton, being wounded in the leg, had to 
retire to seek the support of his horse. The succeeding 
officer was killed, and there was soon no officer of rank 
left to lead the men, who were fast dropping on every 
side. Exposed to such disadvantages and so destructive 


68 


SA-RSFIEIiD } ORj 


a fire, a panic soon seized the royalist forces and a rout 
ensued. Mountcashel, having soon arrived on the 
ground with his horse, arrested the pursuit and com- 
pelled Berry to fall back to his stronghold at the head 
of the causeway, This engagement took place about 
pine o’clock in the morning, and by noon Berry was 
joined by the entire reserve of regulars and irregulars 
from Enniskillen. Mountcashel, having learned that 
the enemy were concentrating their whole force to fall 
upon him, retired from before Crom and fell back tow- 
ard Belturbet. He was closely pressed by the enemy, 
and. finding it impossible to battle any longer, he drew 
up his men in order of battle, in a well selected position, 
about a mile to the south of Kewtownbutler. He sta- 
tioned his foot to the right and left of a narrow road 
over which the enemy had to pass. His horse and dra- 
goons occupied the centre, where the country afforded 
them open space for manoeuvring. Colonel Wolseley 
moved his whole front in line of battle to the attack. 

The Enniskillen horse charged along the causeway, 
and were received with such a murderous fire from the 
Irish troops, that they had to fall back on the infantry 
for support ; the latter advanced along the bog, which 
was then perfectly dry, and soon engaged Mountcashel’s 
right and left. The battle that ensued was fierce and 
sanguinary. Mountcashel, seeing his right wing hard 
pressed, ordered his reserves to face to the right to their 
support ; but by some blunder of the officer who carried 
the order, a wrong command was given, and a false 
movement followed, which led the troops engaged to 
mistake the supporting force for a column of the enemy 
on their fiank. A panic ensued ; the enemy seized on 
the Irish cannon and turned it on them. The Enniskil- 
leners burst through the causeway and charged on the 
broken columns of the Irish on all sides. Mountcashel 
and his officers did all that brave men could do to rally 


THE LAST GEEAT STETJGGLE FOE lEELAlO). 69 

their forces, but the tide of battle had turned against 
them, and they broke on all sides and fled. 

The carnage that followed was fearful, for they were 
completely surrounded by the enemy, who held W atling 
Bridge, their only avenue of escape in the rear. The 
cry of “ No popery,” and No Mercy,” rang along the 
enemy’s lines, and the fugitive Irish were mercilessly 
cut down. No quarter was given to those that surr n- 
dered, and a party that had escaped the slaughter, see- 
ing that they had no mercy to get from the pursuers, in 
the words of Harris, Desperately cast themselves into 
the Lough in several places, to the number of about 
flve hundred, and were all drowned save one man, who 
got through amidst volleys of shot flred after him all 
that night.” In the words of this Williamite historian, 
“The Enniskillen foot were beating the busbes for 
the enemy, and their officer could not bring them off 
from the hunt till next day about ten o’clock ! ” 

Lord Mountcashel, after doing all that a brave man 
could do, determined not to survive the disaster. 

“ Tbe soldier’s hope, the patriot’s zeal, 

Forever dimmed, forever crost— 

O! who si) all say wh?it heroes feel 
When all hut life and honor’s lost I ” 

Having extricated himself from the flying mass, with 
a few devoted officers, who resolved to share his fate, he 
charged the party that held his cannon. His horse was 
shot under him, and himself was wounded in several 
places. As he fell, one of the Enniskilleners rushed up 
with clubbed musket to dash out his brains, but one of 
the Irish officers having called out that he was Lord 
Mountcashel, Captain Cooper, who commanded, ordered 
quarter to be given to the party. 

This was one of the most disastrous battles of the 
whole campaign to the Irish, for few escaped the slaugh- 
ter, — besides losing all theiT artillery, baggage, and 
ammunition. 


70 


saksfield; ob, 


On the very same day that this fatal engagement took 
place, the Irish forces abandoned the siege of Derry, for 
the English fleet, alter several inefiectual attempts, had 
finally succeeded in passing Culmore Fort, and forcing 
the obstructions in Lough Foyle. This fleet consisted 
of twenty ships of war, three hundred transports laden 
with provisions and military stores, and six thousand 
veteran troops under command of the notorious General 
Kirk, whose cruelty in Ireland became as proverbial as 
that of Cromwell. The besiegers, being unprovided 
with cannon, and not in a position to cope with such a 
force, raised the siege and fell back towards Dublin, on 
which Marshal Schomberg was said to be projecting a 
descent. 

The cause of James was not more successful in 
Scotland. On the 26 th of July, Dundee’s army of about 
two thousand Irish, and the same number of High- 
landers, defeated General Mackay’s army of eight thou- 
sand veterans at tbe battle of Killicrankie, but, in the 
moment of victory, Dundee received a mortal wound, 
and with him perished the hopes of the Jacobite cause 
in Scotland. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR LRELAtO). 71 


CHAPTEK Yl. 

Disaster of Newtownhutler — Major O* Donnell Supposed to he 
among the Slain — Eveleen*s Grief— His Safety— Arrival of 
Sc7iomherg*s Army — His Winter Campaign — Atrocities 
Committed hy his Army — Vacillating Conduct of Schom- 
herg and of King James — The Lost Opportunity, 

“ O, Liberty ! can men resign thee, 

Once having felt thy generous fiame? 

Can dungeons, bolts, and b!?rs confine thee. 

Or whip thy noble spirits tame? ” 

Though the Parliament, which had been convened in 
Dublin at the call of the King, added much to the life 
and gayety of the place. Still there were many sorrow- 
ing and anxious hearts among the gay company that 
nightly filled its halls. In those days of slow travelling 
the news received from the North was disconnected and 
unreliable, and there were few of the citizens but had 
near friends or members of their families serving in the 
royal army. 

Col. McCarthy had become a great favorite with the 
King, and on the receipt of dispatches, James always let 
him know if he had heard any news concerning those in 
whom he was personally interested. Of Sarsfield and 
his daring exploits the King had frequently heard, but 
seldom of Capt. O’Donnell, for minor officers are not al- 
ways mentioned in dispatches. However, it was the for- 
tune of our young hero to be mentioned favorably in 
one dispatch for his bravery in action. Though this 
was grateful news to the old Colonel and to Eveleen, 
still it did not lessen their anxiety and fears for his safety. 

In the early part of the campaign Capt. O’Donnell had 


72 


sabsfield; or, 


served under General Sarsfield, but after Mountcasbel 
had taken command of the contingent for the relief 
of Enniskillen, he was transferred to his Staff. This 
change was efiected through the influence of Col. Mc- 
Carthy with his kinsman, Justin McCarthy, who was de- 
servedly called the pacificator of Munster, and whose 
brilliant military services were requited by King James 
with the titles of Lieutenant General, Master Genei al of 
Artillery, Lord Yiscount Mountcashel, and Baron of 
Castle-Inchy. Col. McCarthy having met him at Court, 
previous to his taking command of the new levy raised 
by Tyrconnell, informed him of the relationship that 
existed between himself and captain O’Donnell, and rec- 
ommended the latter to his favor. Mountcashel had Capt. 
O’Donnell’s commission made out, and on his arrival in 
TJlster had him transferred to his staff as Assistant Ad- 
jutant General, with the rank of Major. 

Though rumors of the disaster at Newtownbutler had 
reached Dublin in due time, its full extent was not 
known for several days. Bad as it was, it was even mag- 
nified, for all accounts agreed that, with his army, 
Mountcashel and all his officers were slain. Poor Eve- 
leen was disconsolate; her grandfather wept like a 
child, while Lady Sarsfield, with true feminine delicacy 
and feeling did all she could to assuage her grief. The 
general feeling of regret for the fate of the brave Mount- 
cashel was not relieved by the return of the aimy from 
the North, for the latter confirmed the news of the sad 
disaster, but stated that Mountcashel was badly wound- 
ed and in the hands of the enemy. 

Eveleen’s health had been so shattered by the reported 
death of her lover that she was confined to her bed ; 
she was carefully attended by Lady Sarsfield, who con- 
soled her with the hope that, as nothing certain was 
known regarding him, he might be still Uving, though a 
prisoner. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 73 

One fine evening in June, Eveleen was sitting up in an 
arm-chair, looking pale and dejected. Beside her sat 
Lady Sarsfield. 

“ Well, my dear,” said Lady Sarsfield, I am glad to 
see you so much improved ; after a few days we will 
drive out, and the fresh air and a little recreation will 
strengthen you.” 

Eveleen sighed, and thanked her friend for her solici- 
tude and attention, and remarked : 

I would like to visit the quiet cottage at Glasnevin to 
see if the roses and flowers are as blooming as when I 
cared them. I thought that Hugh would be with me, 
but now hope even has well-nigh departed.” 

“Dear child, your sorrow is one for which a soldier’s 
wife or bethrothed should always be prepared. When 
those we love go to battle, the best we can do for tnem 
is to offer them up to God. A soldier’s life is so uncer- 
tain that we should always be prepared for the worst; 
besides, it is not certain that Hugh was slain. Several 
officers have been captured, and he might be among the 
number.” 

“ I fear not, the names of those captured have been 
given, and his does not appear on the list.” 

“ True, but it often happens that a name escapes, or 
that an officer remains concealed after a battle, until he 
gets the chance of joining his friends. Let us hope for 
the best ; and even if he is slain, he has met the fate of a 
brave man and gallant soldier: namely, to die for his 
King and his country. Do you begrudge him to them 
Eveleen ? ”* 

“ I don’t know, it is so hard to be thus rudely separated 
from those we love. So hard to have the bright hopes 
of the future, and the happy enjoyment of the present 
dissipated so soon ; yet, had I a brother I would say to 
him, go do likewise.” 

“ You now speak as a brave woman, who loves her 


74 


sarsfield; or, 


King and lier country, should ; though loving my brave 
husband dearly, I think I would scarcely weep for him 
had he fallen in so glorious a cause. You must recollect, 
Eveleen, the many widows and orphans we daily see 
whose husbands and fathers have fallen, yet, they must 
submit to their hard lot. I saw a lady yesterday, whose 
husband was killed at the battle of Cladiford, who 
brought her eldest son and heir, a fine young man of 
nineteen, to Court, in order to have him enrolled in the 
King’s service. The heroism of such a woman should be 
a lesson to us not to be selfish, nor to grieve too hope- 
lessly for those who have died, as brave men should, 
fighting in so just and so holy a cause.” 

“ I know you speak the truth. Lady Sarsfield, but then 
love is selfish, and it is hard to control the feelings of the 
heart. I am striving to recollect only his virtues and 
bravery, and to forget his death.” 

The main body of the Irish army fell back to Drogheda, 
in order to cover Dublin, which was reported to be the 
objective point of the English troops, daily expected 
under Duke Schomberg. In order to keep the northern 
army in check, the Irish continued to garrison Belturbet 
and Newry, with some attached encampments lying be- 
tween. A strong Jacobite garrison also occupied 
Charlemont, on the Black water. 

The arrival of the Irish army in Drogheda afforded an 
opportunity to several of the officers to visit their friends 
and families in Dublin. Among them was General 
Sarsfield. He knew nothing particular of the fate of 
O’Donnell, but from all he had heard from the few who 
escaped the battle, he believed that he was among the 
slain. He was not among the officers taken prisoners, 
and if he had escaped, he would have joined the army 
before then. Besides, as he was on Mountcashel’s Staff, 
and joined in the last desperate charge on the captured 
guns, the chances were that he had fallen. 


THE LAST GKEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 75 

Sars field’s account of the different engagement 
revived the martial spirit of Colonel McCarthy, and 
partially reconciled him to the loss of his nephew. Even 
Eveleen, when she heard the General extol his bravery, 
and narrate his heroic deeds, felt prouder of her lover, 
though dead, than sbe ever did of him while living. 

The evening after Sarsfield’s return to Dublin he was 
seated in his quiet drawing room, with his little daughter 
on his knee and his wife beside him. Eveleen reclined 
on an easy chair near him, while Colonel McCarthy sat 
beside them. The child laughed and played with the 
lace and trappings of her father’s uniform. Eveleen was 
silent, and her pale cheeks and wasted figure showed 
the effects that her grief had on her. 

Lady Sarsfield proudly looked upon her husband and 
joined in the innocent gambols of their child, while the 
old Colonel, who was too full of the stirring events of 
the time to remain silent, was questioning the General 
relative to the late campaign. 

“ It is as I anticipated,” replied Sarsfield in answer to 
a question of the Colonel’s ; ‘‘ the King of France has 
promised much and performed little. With an impov- 
erished country, a ruined exchequer, a hopeless depend- 
ence upon a tardy ally, and a strong, active enemy to 
contend against, I fear, my dear Colonel, things look 
rather disheartening.” 

“I hope not, General; the King’s cause is just, and 
justice, you know, must triumph.” 

“ Yes, when properly supported. A just cause always 
inspires men with hope and confidence, but it needs 
men and arms to support it.” 

“ But, according to the last accounts from France, an 
army of ten thousand men, with arms for twenty thous- 
and more, will soon sail.” 

“ 1 hope so, but we have been so often deceived by such 
promises that I am losing faith in them. God send they 
do not come too late. The Northern rebels have been 


70 


saesfield; oe, 


strengthened by six thousand naen under Kirk, and a 
larger force is daily expected from England. Against 
these concentrated forces what can our half armed, 
poorly clad, and badly fed Irish army do? The force 
that came over with the King has done us more harm 
than good. The French officers have put on an air of 
superiority that has disgusted many of the Irish gentle- 
men who have raised and equipped regiments at their 
own expense, but soon found themselves compelled to 
serve under French striplings. Besides^ the new levies, 
who have not had time to be trained in military move- 
ments, are expected to move with all the precision and 
tact of a veteran army ; and when they fail in this they 
are grossly upbraided by their French officers, and the 
men are as much displeased as the brave gentlemen, 
who are completely ignored. To add to this disorder 
and want of confidence between the men and their of- 
ficers, De Eosen is a bungling, arrogant martinet, who 
knows nothing of military matters, and who is too much 
of an autocrat to take advice from those who know the 
country well and the spirit of the Irish troops. Mount- 
casheFs defeat at Kewtownbutler was owing to De Ro- 
sen’s stupidity in ordering Berwick to Derry and me else- 
where, when we should co-operate with Mountcashel in 
his movements against Enniskillen. Our withdrawal 
gave an opportunity to the Enniskilleners to concentrate 
their whole force on Mountcashel ; while, had he left us 
before the town, we would keep the garrison engaged 
while Mountcashel was reducing Crom and their other 
forts, and then Enniskillen would have fallen before our 
combined forces. Enniskillen reduced, we would be in 
a position to encounter Kirk, and with his defeat the 
reduction of Derry should follow. The Irish were victo- 
rious in all their engagements before the arrival of the 
King, but under French rule nothing but disasters fol- 
low.” 

Things look gloomy for the poor King on all sides. 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOE lEELAlTD. 77 

General. The death of Dundee has prostrated the royal 
cause in Scotland, and our Parliament in Dublin, instead 
of voting subsidies and supplies to carry on the war, is 
wasting its time wrangling about prerogatives and priv- 
ileges. The Protestants are suspicious of the King and 
jealous of their Catholic neighbors, while, on the other 
hand, the Catholics are desirous of having their rights 
secured by constitutional guarantees. The discussions 
are embittered by religious rancor, and thus the time 
that should be devoted to the pressing duties of the 
hour has been wasted on questions that should have been 
ett to future deliberation. It is true the war has been 
so far carried on by the Catholic gentry and the Catho- 
lic soldiery, while the Protestant gentry are unwilling 
to risk life or fortune in the issue between the King and 
the Prince of Orange. Thus, between the just demands 
of one party and the vacillating policy of the other, the 
King, who was anxious to please both, has been placed 
in a desperate condition, and, in order to carry on the 
war, has been forced to adopt measures that might seem 
arbitrary, in doubling his subsidy, establishing a bank 
restriction act, and in issuing a million and a half of 
copper coin at a nominal value. Owing to the dilatory 
and ill-timed policy of the Parliament, military affairs 
are neglected, and neither supplies nor reinforcements, 
with the exception of the force under Mountcashel, are 
sent to the front.^’ 

We have given, in this conversation between Sarsfield 
and Colonel McCarthy a brief outline of the causes that 
led to the disasters of the campaign against Derry and 
Enniskillen, and the causes that distiacted this memora- 
ble Parliament, which, instead of liberally voting sup- 
plies to carry on the war, helped to retard its progress 
by their short-sighted, jealous line of policy. 

It is time that we should return to one who was mourn- 
ed as dead. 

When Mountcashel made his last hopeless charge on 


78 


sarsfield; ob, 


the captured guns, Major O’Donnell bravely resolved 
to share the fate of his general. Captain Cooper’s com- 
mand poured a volley on the little band, which emptied 
many a saddle. Though wounded in a couple of places, 
O’Donnell did not fall until his horse, being shot through 
the breast, fell under him. The Major fell upon his head 
and was stunned by the fall, and while in this helpless 
condition an Enniskillen soldier bayoneted him through 
the breast, but fortunately the steel glided over the bone, 
only inflicting an ugly wound. He lay thus insensible 
for some time, and when he recovered consciousness he 
found that he was deserted, with no other company than 
heaps of dead around him. There was not even a single 
wounded man near, for their cruel enemies had dis- 
patched them. Though faint from loss of blood he man- 
aged to staunch his wounds, and having searched among 
the dead men’s haversacks, he discovered some bread, 
which, with some water from an adjacent stream, con- 
siderably revived him. Though it was night be could 
hear the shouts and cries of the pursuers as they hunted 
up the fugitives, and then the report of musketry told 
the fate of the latter. At length, feeling himself able to 
move, he covered his uniform with the overcoat of an 
Enniskillener, and stealthily crept through the bog. He 
had to lie down frequently in a bog hole in order to 
avoid searching parties of the ruthless enemy. He was 
even challenged, but passed off as a wounded soldier of 
Captain Cooper's company. He thus dragged himself 
along until he got clear of the fatal field. After travel- 
ling for some time, he became so exhausted that he re- 
solved to throw himself on the mercy of the first person 
that would pass, and with that intention he dragged 
himself out on the road. He was not long here, when he 
heard a horseman approaching. When the latter came 
just up to him, he called out that he was a wounded 
o£Q.cer, and would soon perish if left where he was. 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 79 

‘‘To wMch army do you belong?” asked the horse- 
man, drawing up beside him. 

“ To King James’s,” replied the other. 

“So I thought, friend, for good King William’s sol- 
diers need not thus be hiding as fugitives.” 

“ That’s so,” replied O’Donnell, somewhat nettled by 
the remark ; “ for we always treat the wounded and 
prisoners as become Christians, not with the ferocity of 
savages.” 

‘ You speak bold, young man, for one in your situa- 
tion.” 

‘* I speak the truth, as a soldier should,” replied the 
other fearlessly. 

“ Well, well, I like your pluck, though you are an ene- 
my to our good King and his sacred cause ; still, if I 
hate the Pope and Popery, that’s no reason why I 
should let a fellow creature perish; perhaps some Chris- 
tian hand would do as much for my own boy some day.” 

So saying, the sturdy yeoman, for such he was, dis- 
mounted and helped the wounded man upon his horse. 
The journey was painful to O’Donnell, for his undressed 
wounds pained him, and his limbs were cramped and 
sore. The yeoman belonged to that class of Protestants 
of which we are proud to say there were many who, 
though an ardent admirer and follower of William’s 
cause, still was not so lost to humanity as to refuse to 
help a suffering fellow- creature. He took O’Donnell to 
his house, were his wounds were dressed, and he was 
carefully tended by his family. The sufferings he un- 
derwent in trying to effect his escape, combined with his 
wounds, and the hurt in his head brought on a fever, 
which confined him to his bed for several days. When he 
was able to sit up, the weariness of his position was 
much relieved by the kind attention of the yeoman’s 
wife and daughter. He learned that his friend’s son 
was a prisoner in the hands of the Irish, having been 


80 sarsfield; or, 

captured in one of the engagements with General 
Hamilton. 

O Donnell assured his kind host that he would use all 
his influence for his release as soon as he reached the 
Irish army, and from his intimacy with the command- 
ing General and several general officers, he had no doubt 
of his success. Knowing the anxiety of his friends, par- 
ticularly of Eveleen,on her account he resolved to reach 
them as soon as possible. Mr. Parton’s family had be- 
come so attached to the young Jacobite soldier that 
they regretted his departure almost as much as if he 
were a member of their own family. As for Miss Par- 
ton, her red eyes and subdued manner betokened the 
feelings he awakened in her breast. Yeoman Parton, 
having flrst taken the precautions of dressing him out 
like himself, provided him with a good horse, and es- 
corted him in safety to the nearest Irish lines. Unable 
to proceed further for a few days, Major O’Donnell sent 
a messenger to Dublin to apprise his friends of his safe- 
ty. The good news was borne by Gen. Sarsfleld to his 
wife, and then gently broken to Eveleen. Their joy 
was unbounded, and though the first shock was nearly 
as fatal to Eveleen as the news of his death, she rapidly- 
recovered, and anxiously awaited his arrival. Hugh had 
written to Gen. Sarsfield requesting him to procure 
young Parton’s release, and, before he left the North, he 
had the pleasure of repaying yeoman Parton’s kindness 
by restoring to him his son. As the deeds of a dead sol- 
dier are always spoken of with respect and admiration, 
the heroism of Major O’Donnell was much extolled, 
and now, when restored, as it were from the grave, he 
reaped the benefits of them in being the hero of the hour 
in Dublin. But this adulation was hollow in compari- 
son to the welcome he received from his betrothed, her 
grandfather, and Gen. Sarsfield and his wdfe. Under 
the care of loving friends, he rapidly recovered his health 
which was much shattered by all he had gone through. 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 81 

Public feeling in England was fast turning against the 
P] ince of Orange and his Dutch mercenaries, when the 
defeat of the royal cause in Scotland, and the repulse of 
the Irish a>my in the North, revived the zeal of his sup- 
porters. The English Parliament granted the Prince 
subsidies to raise an army to quell the war in Ireland, 
the only kingdom that now held out for the royal cause. 

An army, consisting of eighteen regiments of foot, and 
six regiments of horse, in all about twenty thousand 
men, was immediately organized for that purpose, and 
placed under the command of Marshal, the Duke of 
Schomberg, and Count Solmes. On the 12th of August, 
the fleet, bearing this expeditionary force, appeared off 
the coast of Down, and effected a landing at Bangor 
Bay, between Belfast and Carrickfergus. Schomberg 
immediately took possession of Belfast, and thence 
moved on the Castle of Carrickfergus. This garrison 
was under the command of Colonel McCaithy-More, and 
comprised about eight hundred men, who were poorly 
supplied in ammunition, arms, and artillery. The 
garrison made a stubborn resistance to Schomberg’s 
combined land and naval force, and only surrendered, 
after eight days, when their powder and ammunition 
were exhausted, and having received highly favorable 
terms from the besiegers, which conditions were shame- 
fully violated after the capitulation of the place. 
Schomberg’s army of mercenaries was, according to the 
most impartial accounts, composed of a most godless 
set. “ They were,” says Taylor, in his history, “ the out- 
casts of ail society, familiar with every crime, abandoned 
to every excess, vices for which language scarcely ven- 
tures to find a name, abominations that may not be 
described, and can scarcely be imagined, were constantly 
practiced by these bandits.” 

The soldiers of Schomberg’s army were made up of 
Dutch, Danes, Hanovarians, and French and English 

6 


82 


baesfield; ob. 


Protestants. To these were added the Williamites of 
Ireland, who were chiefly descended from Cromwell’s 
Levellers and Covenanters, and who still preserved the 
gloomy fanaticism of their fathers, and looked upon the 
slaughter of Papists as an act of grace and a religious 
duty. Such was the army with which Schombergnow 
undertook the conquest of the country, an army of mer- 
ciless adventurers, who rioted in plunder and bloodshed. 
After the fall of Carrickfergus, had Schomberg marched 
straight on Dublin there was no army on the way ca- 
pable of offering him any serious resistance; bqt 
whether it was that he had a wholesome dread of the 
Irish army, or little confidence in his own, he moved 
with great caution, and wasted much of his time drill- 
ing and organizing the Enniskilleners. 

After much delay and indecision, he sent a strong 
force against Chari emont, while, with the bulk of his 
army, he cautiously moved towards Dubhn. He took 
up his march along the coast for several days, all the 
time keeping his fleet in view. At length he wheeled 
for Newry. Here Berwick and Sarsfield, with onl> one 
thousand foot and six hundred horse, disputed his ad- 
vance. Schomberg, believing that the whole Irish army 
was in his front, drew up and made preparations for 
battle. The handful of Irish troops made as bold a 
front as possible, while the cavalry took every opportu- 
nity to harass his flanks. Schomberg went out at the 
head of fourteen squadrons to reconnoitre the enemy’s 
position. Berwick ordered his videttes to withdraw 
gradually, and then made a display as if to attack him. 
This so intimidated Schomberg that he fell back to his 
camp. This handful of Irish, having thus delayed the 
march of the whole of Schomberg’s army for several 
days, at length fell back to the main army at Drogheda. 

The Irish army consisted of about twenty thousand 
men, the most of whom were raw recruits and levies, in- 
differently clad, and badly armed. A council of war of 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAlST). 8^ 

the Irish ofl&cers urged on the King to abandon Dublin, 
and to fall back. He was obstinate, and determined to 
offer battle, and with that intention advanced on Dun- 
dalk, where .Schomberg lay entrenched with an army 
vastly superior to his. For some unaccountable reason, 
though the Irish army manoeuvred to induce Schomberg 
to give battle, he kept his entrenchments, and would not 
venture on an engagement. As the odds would be too 
much in his favor to attack him in his works, and as the 
winter was approaching,, James very soon fell back to 
winter quarters, at Drogheda, while Schomberg, after 
spending four months in marching thirty miles, and after 
refusing to fight an army much smaller than his own, 
withdrew from Dundalk and encamped in the low coun- 
try to the north of it, where he passed the winter. 

Here, enclosed in a cul de sac, amidist bogs and mo- 
rasses, a pestilence broke out in his camp, and he lost 
some eight or nine thousand of his troops, while the re- 
mainder were greatly prostrated and dispirited. 

James’s generals urged on him to assault the English 
thus depleted by sickness and desertions, and had he 
done so, with his twenty thousand Irish troops, he would 
most likely, have destroyed Schomberg’s army. He 
seemed to concui^ and made a movement as if to attack 
them, but, with a strange degree of indecision, he merely 
made a vain 'demonstration, which induced Marshal 
Kosen to exclaim : 

“ If your majesty possessed a hundred kingdoms, you 
would lose them ! ” 

De Kosen and De Avourx were soon after recalled to 
France, for they had rendered themselves very unpopu- 
lar with the Irish. The French King promised large 
supplies both of men and arms in the spring. Schom- 
berg’s army was much depleted, a strong reaction was 
setting in against William in England, and, in fine, things 
looked favorable for James, and high hopes were enter- 
tained of success in the campaign of 1690. 


S4 


sabsfield; or, 


CHAPTER VII. 

The Battle of the Boyner -Superiority of the English in Men 
and Materials — The Plan of Battle — William's Heroism . — 
James's Imbecility and Hesitation — Lausan keeps the 
French Contingent Inactive— Desperate Bravery of the 
Irish— Their Defeat owing lo James's Weakness and Lau- 
san' s Defection, 

“ Hark! heard you not those hoofs of dreadful note? 

Sounds not the clanar of conflict on the heath? 

Saw ye not whom the reeking saore smote; 

Nor saved your brethren ere they sank beneath 
Tyrants and tyrants’ slaves? The fires of death, 

The bale-fires flash on hiah from rock to rock 
Each volley tells that thousands cease to breathe: 

Death rides upon the sulphury Siroc, 

Red Battle stamps his foot and nations feci the shock.” 

Byron. 

The arrival of Schomberg in Ireland, and his march 
toward the capital, caused aflutter oF excitement and 
alarm in Dublin. Fully sensible of the weak, disorgan- 
ized state of the Irish army, many fled to the country 
with their families. Even the Parliament, which the 
King had convened to assist him in his emergency^ was 
rendered more stubborn and exacting by the danger 
which threatened the King. The Protestant members 
became vacillating, and between their want of confl- 
dence in James and their partiality for the Prince of Or- 
ange, rather obstructed than otherwise any measures 
for the raising of troops and the granting of supplies. 
On the other hand, the Catholic members, embracing 
the opportunity, demanded to be secured in their con- 
stitutional rights, while the reverses encountered by 


THE LAST GEEAT STKUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 85 

Schomberg, the great mortality among his troops, and 
the hope that the speedy arrival of the promised French 
contingent would place the King in a position to assume 
the offensive, restored a certain degree of confidence. 

The winter passed off pleasantly enough in the city, 
and the vicinity of the Irish army at Drogheda offered 
an opportunity to the officers to join the balls and gay 
parties that enlivened the city. 

Major O’Donnell’s recovery was rather slow, but he 
did not complain, for the sweet society of Eveleen and 
Lady Sarsfield made sickness not only bearable but a 
kind of blessing in disguise. Though not able to move 
about much. Colonel McCarthy and General Sarsfield 
kept him posted on military affairs, and the course events 
were taking, while the ladies gave him a daily report of 
the latest balls, the on dits and fashionable gossip of the 
city. Thus the time passed agreeably enough, and as 
the Spring approached his strength was so far restored 
as to enable him to join his command, for he did not 
want to be absent from the active campaign which was 
anticipated by all to commence at once. 

King James had, by his inactivity and vacillation, lost 
the grand opportunity of crushing Scbomberg, and the 
latter, as soon as the Spring permitted, in order to inspire 
his troops and to remove them from their sickly encamp- 
ment near Dundalk, made the first movement in the 
campaign of 1690. He was also apprised of the invita- 
tion of the Prince of Orange to come and take command 
of the Irish army in person, and he wished to do some- 
thing to retiieve liis previous disasters before the arrival 
of William. 

Soon after his landing, Schomberg had laid siege to 
Charlemont Castle which was held by the sturdy old 
Colonel O’Kegan. A force lay before it all the Winter, 
but on the opening of the Spring campaign Schomberg 
turned his attention to its reduction. While he pressed 


80 


sarsfield; or. 


its siege with renewed vigor, he despatched three thou- 
sand three hundred English and Enniskilleners, under 
command of Brigadier Wolsely, to seize on Cavan and 
Belturbet, which were held during the Winter by a small 
Irish force under General Wauchop. The Duke of Ber- 
wick was ordered, with a force of twelve hundred foot 
and two hundred horse, to the relief of these places. 

Berwick proceeded by rapid marches to Cavan, whilst 
Wolsely, who was apprised of his intention, approached 
as rapidly ; both generals resolved to take possession of a 
mud fort which commanded the town. Both forces met 
in the intrenchments, and a fierce hand to hand confiict 
ensued. Wolsely 'was driven from the fort in great confu- 
sion, but most of the Irish officers, including Colonel Mac- 
Geoghegan and General Nugent, being either killed or 
wounded, the Irish troops became panic-stricken, and, 
in a moment, says Berwick in his Memoirs, ‘‘ from being 
conquerors, we became conquered.” 

This victory compelled the Irish to evacuate Cavan 
and Belturbet, and Schomberg next turned his undivi- 
ded attention to the siege of Charleniont, still held by 
the indomitable old chieftain, who refused all overtures 
of surrender, vowing that he would hold the castle for 
his King, or perish in its ruins. At length, being fairly 
starved out, after a siege of nine months, he surrendered 
on the 14th of May, having received honorable terms 
from Schomberg, who greatly admired the pluck of the 
old soldier. King James, who neglected re-enforcing 
him in time, raised him to the order of knighthood and 
entrusted him with the defence of Sligo. 

These were the only affairs of any importance that 
transpired previous to the arrival of the Prince of 
Orange. 

In the meantime, James, through his agents, having 
learned that active preparations were making in Eng- 
land to send a large expedition to Ireland under the 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 87 

Prince himself, despatched Tyrconnell to France to has- 
ten the expedition so long promised and so unaccounta- 
bly delayed. 

The French King had promised ten thousand men, 
and artillery, arms and ammunition for twenty thousand 
more. In April the French contingents at length arriv- 
ed, and consisted only of six thousand men and eight 
thousand stand of arms, the latter being so bad, that, ac- 
cording to King James’s own account, they were of lit- 
tle or no service. And as for the clothing sent, it was 
so miserable that the Irish preferred their own old 
clothes to it. They were also promised two million 
livres in gold and silver, but they only got one and a 
half million crowns in copper, stamped with the image 
of James, of which worthless coin there was already a 
surplus in Ireland. To add to this, the Irish stood most 
in need of artillery, and the twentv pieces sent were 
soon afterwards brought back to France. The French 
force, which was commanded by the Due de Lausen, 
was composed of the refugees of all nations. Louis 
stipulated with Tyrconnell that he should receive an 
equal number of men in return. James, instead of send- 
ing six thousand unarmed men, of whom thousands ap- 
plied for admission in his service, sent to France six 
thousand of his very best veteran troops, under Lord 
Mountcashel, who had made his escape some time pre- 
vious. 

This was all the assistance received from France, to 
undertake the important campaign of 1690. The troops 
sent to France under Mountcashel, with four thousand 
more which joined him the following year, formed the 
nucleus of that celebrated Irish Brigade, still the theme 
of warrior and poet, whose prodigies of valor surprised 
Europe, and who turned the tide of battle against Eng- 
land in many a hard fought field. The brave and gal- 
lant Mountcashel was killed the following year, while 


88 


saksfield; or, 


fighting against the allies in Savoy. He died at Barege 
in the Hautes Pyrenees, and the highest military honors 
were decreed by the French King to his memory. 

Had Louis XI Y. sent to Ireland in Jourville’s fleet, 
then victorious on the ocean, some of the regiments of 
Picardy, Piedmont, and Normandy, they would have in- 
spired the Irish with confidence, and be fully a match 
for William’s veteran troops. But the regiments sent 
were mercenaries, picked up from all nations — French 
Huguenots, Germans, and even English Protestants, 
most of whom were prisoners taken on the Continent 
and pardoned on condition that they would serve under 
King James in Ireland. Their conduct in Ireland, and 
the numerous desertions from their ranks to William’s 
army, showed how little they possessed of the spirit or 
chivalry of the true French soldier. 

The report of de Lausun landing in Ireland hastened 
William’s preparations, and greatly swelled the propor- 
tions of his force and armament. On the 6th of June, 
1690, William’s artillery and ordnance stores arrived at 
Carrickfergus, and on the 14th he himself, accompanied 
by Prince George of Denmark, the Prince of Hesse 
Darmstadt, the Dukes of Ormond and Wurtemberg, the 
Earls of Oxford, Portland, and Scarborough, Generals 
Mackay and Douglas, and several other nobles, arrived 
and immediately proceeded to Lisburn, where Schomberg 
had awaited his arrival since the fall of Charlemont. No 
sooner was the news of William’s arrival known, than 
deputations from Protestant clergymen, and other com- 
munities, waited on him, tendering their allegiance. Tay- 
lor informs us that these were as ready to submit to 
James on his arrival, and that they had offered up 
prayers in the churches for James, but as William 
advanced through the country, his name was substituted 
for that of James 

On the commencement of operations, WiUiam’s regular 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 89 

army in Ireland, even according to Story and other 
English writers, amounted to sixty-seven regiments, 
forming a force of 29,610 foot and 7,939 horse, or a total 
of 37,549 men. To these must be added the Irish militia 
in William’s service, and which numbered, at the lowest 
calculation, 12,000 men — thus giving William an army at 
least fifty thousand strong. In addition to this he had 
a splendid and well served train of artillery, consisting 
of thirty-nine pieces of heavy cannon, twelve field 
pieces, and six mortars. We give this statement of Wil- 
liam’s strength from English writers, though it is set 
down by some Irish writers at a much higher figure 
On the other hand, the conduct of the French cabinet 
towards James rendered him unable to place a large 
army in the field. He had, according to his own nccount, 
offers of over one hundred thousand Irish, but could not 
accept them, owing to the want of arms, supplies, 
uniforms, and means to pay or support them. 

The Jacobite force, according to the highest estimate, 
was about thirty thousand men, of whom fully ten 
thousand had to be left to garrison the defences of the 
Shannon, from Lanesborough to Limerick, and the 
entire coast from Dublin to Galway. These, with a few 
thousand Rapparees, who operated at will wherever the 
chance offered, comprised the force with which J ames had 
to encounter the large, well-appointed army of WiUiam. 
Of the twenty thousand available troops under James, 
six thousand were French, nine thousand Irish infantry, 
poorly armed with muskets and pikes ; and five thousand 
cavalry under Berwick, Hamilton, and Sarsfield. The 
cavalry were a splendid body of men, and, being inured 
to service and to victory under its dashing Generals, was 
the chief hope of the Irish. These, with a train of 
twelve field-pieces, some accounts say thirty-two, which 
would include the guns brought from France, comprised 
James’ force at the Boyne ; while William, having gar- 


90 


sarsfield; or, 


risoned Ulster with the militia, had at the Boyne at 
least an army of 38 000 men, though most accounts 
agree in placing it at a higher figure. 

So fully sensible were the Irish Generals of the dis • 
parity of the two armies, that they urged James to 
abandon the capital, and to fall back on Connaught and 
the defences of the Shannon. Even Sarsfield, who was 
never so much at home as in a dashing charge, besought 
the King not to risk all on a hopeless contest, but to 
adopt with William the same policy which was so 
destructive to Schomberg the previous winter ; and that 
in the meantime, by getting arms from France, they 
could place a larger army in the field. 

James, though admitting the policy of their advice, 
was obstinate^ in defending the capital. He felt that if 
he lost Dublin he would be shorn of all his power and 
dignity as a King, besides, it would make a bad impres- 
sion on the French. A sense of pride and dignity 
blinded his judgment, and he sacrificed all to sustain 
appearances. 

Had he followed the advice of his Generals, events 
were so shaping themselves on the continent, that 
William should soon abandon Ireland. 

On the very day, the 30th of June, that William had 
drawn up his forces at Townley Hail, the combined fleets 
of England and Holland had been almost utterly de- 
stroyed by Admiral Tourville, at Beachy Head; aod on 
the following day, when his fate was decided by the 
battle of the Boyne, the combined armies of the League, 
under Prince Waldeck, were overthrown at Fleurus by 
the French army ; and while he was flying to Dublin, to 
quit his dominions for ever, the fleet of Admiral de Seig- 
nelay was unmoored, awaiting a favorable gale, to sail 
to Ireland to destroy William’s transports, while, accord- 
ing to Hume, “ there were not ten thousand armed men 
in all England.” 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 91 

From the 16th to the 22d of June, William was at 
Newry and James at Dundalk, both awaiting their 
artillery. Several skirmishes took place between the 
advance guards of the two armies, thus placed almost in 
sight of each other, with favorable results to the I>ish. 

William’s artillery having arrived on the 23d, he moved 
forward, while James retired to Ardee, where he was 
joined by his train, and where he took up a strong posi- 
tion. William, by his movements, forced James to fall 
back; and on the 29th of June, he crossed the Boyne at 
Drogheda, and drew up his army on the heights of 
Donore, and there awaited the enemy. 

Whether James had the guns brought over by de Lau- 
sun at the Boyne has not been settled by writers. Mac- 
Geoghegan states that he had but twelve pieces there, 
while James himself, in his memoirs, states that he had 
but six pieces there. “ The King,” say the memoirs, 
“ ordered the baggage towards Dublin, with all the can- 
non but six, which were directed to follow the left wing.” 
This took place on the morning of the engagement ; and 
what hopes for success could there be for an army that 
saw its commander more intent on providing for a re- 
treat than in securing a victory ? The loss of this artil- 
lery secured the victory to William, for he had to cross 
the river about ten o’clock to attack the Irish centre at 
Oldbridge : “ For,” says Story, “ had he deferred it an hour 
longer, the tide would have prevented our men from 
passing either at Oldbridge or below, so that the right 
wing of our armv had been exposed to the hazard of 
fighting all of theirs, and the rest not able to come up to 
relieve them till possibly it had been too late.” From 
this it is evident that had James kept his cannon, and 
properly guarded the pass of Slane, William’s left could 
not have crossed that day, while his right wing, which 
had crossed, would be exposed to be cut off; besides 
had the battle been protracted until the following day. 


92 


sarsfielb; ok, 


the Munster re-enforcements, which were within a day’s 
march would have joined the king’s army, and most 
hkely have cnanged the result of the battle. 

William, while out with a reconnoitering party the 
evening before the battle, was grazed on the shoulder by 
a cannon shot, which drew some blood.* 

William’s plan of battle was simple, bold, and aggres 
sive. His centre, consisting of 13,000 men, was under 
the command of the Duke of Schomberg and Caillemotte. 
His right, consisting of ten thousand horse and foot, 
was commanded by Count Schomberg and General 
Douglas, and was extended in the direction of Slgne. 
His left, about 12,000 sti ong, was drawn up towards Old- 
bridge, and was commanded by himself in person. His 
reserves, about 5,000 strong, were stationed in the low 
gi'ound in his rear, and within easy supporting distance 
of his right and left. His plan of action was : the Count 
of Schomberg was to open the battle at daybreak by 
forcing the pass of Slane and turning the Irish left; 
the Duke of Schomberg was then to cross at the centre, 
and attack the intrenchments in his front, while the 
Prince himself was to follow up their victories by cross- 
ing at Oldb ridge, and, flanking James’ right, cut off his 
retreat from Dublin. 

James, on the other hand, was undecided and vacillat- 
ing. Seeing William’s superior strength and powerful 
batteries, he appeared anxious to avoid a battle, and in 

* There is a tradition, which Is given hy Pinnock in his cate- 
chism of Irish history, that Burke, an Irish gunner, having 
grazed the arm of William with a shot, and having taken. a 
more deadly aim, James craed out to him not to make a widow 
of his daughter. In justice to the unfortunate James, it is 
s ated in Berwick’s Memoirs, that it was the king hiiacselt that 
ordered down the battery to fire on William. It is also stated, 
and wilh more probability of truth, that having seen his Irish 
troops overcoming those of William, he frequently cried 
out, “ O, spare my English subjects ! ” 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 93 

tlie disposition of his forces his chief object appeared to 
be to guard the pass of Duieek and secure his line of 
retreat to Dublin. 

He had thrown his army well back towards the heights 
of Donore. His centre, about 8,000 strong, occupied the 
intrenchments along the river. His right wing about 
3,000 strong, rested near the town of Oldbridge, and 
was under command of Berwick and Hamilton. His 
left, composed of the French troops under de Lausun, 
was thrown back from the centre in the direction of 
Slane, while the regiments of Tyrconnell, Parker, and 
Gordon O’Neil, and the dragoons of Lord Clare and 
Dungan were held as a reserve behind the hill of Donore. 
The important pass of Slane, which he tells us in his 
Memoirs he expected to be William’s first point of at- 
tack, was neglected by him until late at night, when Sir 
Neale O’Neil was dispatched to guard it with his regi- 
ment of dragoons. A force of 3,000 infantry and cavalry, 
the former under Sir Charles Carney and the latter 
under Sarsfield, was held as a kind of reserve, or, rather, 
for the king’s protection, in rear of the the churchyard 
of Donore. 

Such was the disposition of the two armies on the 
evening of the 30th of June, 1690 ; and as the darkness 
of night settled over them, what feelings agitated the 
bosoms of thousands. Home, wives, and families, all 
the dear ties tha^t bind men to life, rose before them in 
that fretted sleep, which was so soon to be sealed by 
the eternal sleep of death. 

William’s artillery had kept up a continued fire on 
James’s lines since the noon of the 30th; they did not 
cease during the short summer night that heralded the 
morning of battle. The sun on the 1st of July rose 
over an exciting and soul-stirring scene. Long lines of 
troops extended in battle line on both sides of the placid 
Boyne. A column of ten thousand Danes, under young 
Schomberg and Douglas, were quietly moving on Slane, 


94 


saesfield; oe, 


tbeir glittering arms flashing in the rays of the bright 
sunshine. Upon the opposite side of the river, the Irish 
were rapidly falling into line, and taking possession of 
the lines of intrenchments that covered the river toward 
Oldbridge, presenting, with their motley uniforms and 
rusty muskets and pikes, a strange contrast to the flash- 
ing hosts of William. Several squadrons of horse and a 
column of French foot were marched from the Camp at 
Ponore, and deployed by Oldbridge to oppose the cross- 
ing of yoimg Schomberg, while another squadron of 
horse rapidly manoeuvered and took up their position in 
the rear of the infantry in the intrenchments. For some 
time the whole scene looked like a living panorama of 
moving squadrons of horse and foot ; but soon all settled 
down to that deathly stillness, so often the prelude of 
carnage and death. The camp fires of the night still 
smoked from the valleys and ravines, while in the dis- 
tance, and along the crest of Donore-hill, the white tents 
gleamed in the sunshine. 

King James, surrounded by several of his generals and 
nobles, and guarded by a strong body of cavalry, 
anxiously and nervously watched the movements of the 
two armies from his elevated position on Donore. On the 
other hand, William, surrounded by a splendid cavalcade 
of nobles, looked calm and determined, and gave his com- 
mands with the bold confidence of one resolved to win 
or die. 

James, nervous and undecided, seemed more bent on 
covering his retreat than on securing a victory, and bis 
first order in the morning was that his baggage be on 
its way to Dublin, whither he had already sent the half 
of his artillery. 

The old Duke of Tyrconnell moved from rank to rank 
inspiring the troops with confidence, while Saisfield 
chafed and murmured because his command was not 
leading the advance. 

The battle of the Boyne opened with a fierce cannon- 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 95 

ade from Williafa’s lines to which James’s few pieces of 
artillery feebly replied. Ihis was supported by a brisk 
musketry fire from William’s skirmishers upon the Irish 
lines. Under cover of these Count Schomberg made a 
desperate attempt to force the pass of Slane and thus 
turn the Irish left. 

This pass was stubbornly defended by Sir Neale O’- 
Neil’s regiment. After a desperate conflict the weight 
of artillery and men triumphed, and Count Schomberg 
succeeded in carrying the pass. The fight was bitterly 
carried on here, for some time the enemy forcing back 
the Irish towards Duleek; but re-enforcements having 
reached the latter, they rallied and regained their lost 
ground inch by inch. The fight continued to rage here 
with great stubbornness, and it took fully two hours 
from Count Schomberg before he drove the handful of 
Irish from their intrenchments. Sarsfield, with sixty 
dragoons and one piece of artillery, made a last desper- 
ate efibrt to force back Schomberg, but his gun got 
bogged, and after losing several of his men he had to 
retire. 

Schomberg having secured the pass of Slane, hurried 
over his artillery, and deployed by the right in order to 
turn the Irish left ; but he suddenly found himself con- 
fronted by de Lausan with a force of six thousand, sup- 
ported by a reserve of three thousand more. Lausan, 
instead of at once engaging Schomberg, moved by his 
left, confronting the enemy, who was moving by his right 
with the intention of lapping the Irish flank. 

This cautious and cowardly movement on the part of 
Lausan rendered an engagement impracticable, for a 
march gradually widening towards the rear of Donore 
soon separated the two armies fully a mile. 

Thus was nine thousand troops, which embodied most 
of the French contingent, perfectly neutralized to James 
by the action of Lausan. 


96 


saesfielb; or. 


Meantime King James, thinking that William meant 
to cross the bulk of his army over after Schomberg, and 
that the battle would be fought out on his left, consid- 
erably weakened bis right and centre in order to re-en- 
force his left, and while the troops were on the march 
he countermanded the order. 

But he was soon undeceived, for the troops of old 
Caillemotte and Duke Schomberg, compi ising the Dutch 
guards, French Protestants, and Brandenbergians, in all 
about ten thousand, wheeled out on the plain, rapidly 
formed, covered by a fierce artillery fire, and dashed into 
the river. 

The water of the river, which was very shallow 
at this season, being obstructed by such a mass of 
human beings, swelled and rose up to the men’s hips. 
Over their heads hissed and shrieked the shot and shell 
from William’s artillery, directed against the Irish 
intrenchments. 

The Irish kept up a brisk and well-directed fire against 
the advancing host, but on came the Dutch Guards, 
cheered by the brave old Caillemotte. Though many of 
the advance guard fell, and their bodies were swept 
away by the tide, their places were soon filled up by 
their comrades. There was no wavering on their part. 
They were the chosen troops of William, and his eye 
was upon them. Before them was the enemy — the river 
was to hundreds the river of death. They thought not of 
that, but of victory. Column after column plunged into 
the river, now swollen to a foaming, seething mass of 
angry water. The conflict on the edge of the river was 
desperate. Major Arthur, who commanded the Irish 
Guards, bravely led his men, and desperately fought at 
their head. For a time the issue seemed doubtful. The 
brave Major Arthur was borne, badly wounded, to the 
rear; and his men, overpowered by numbers, gradually 
gave way, and fell back on their intrenchments. New 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 97 

actors soon appeared on the scene, for as the Dutch 
gained the firm ground above the river, down on them 
swept the formidable reserve of Irish dragoons of Lords 
Clare and Dungan. They struck the Dutch and French 
regiments like a tornado, and with frantic cheers charged 
right on them. The air resounded with the clash of 
sabres, the ring of musketry, the groans of the dying, 
and the cheers of the combatants. Lord Dungan had 
fallen, but the brave young Hamilton, like an avenging 
Nemesis, dashed from line to line. The brave Caille- 
motte cheered on his men, but Hamilton spying him, 
burst through the enemy’s lines and soon his sword had 
pierced the old soldier’s body. The death of their leader 
struck terror into the enemy, and a panic seized them. 
In a moment they were helplessly broken, trampled, and 
dispersed, and Caillemotte, two colonels, two lieutenant- 
colonels, and nearly half his command lay dead upon the 
field. The fugitives were driven back into the river, and 
the Danish horse which came to their relief was soon 
scattered and driven back on the flying columns. The 
Duke of Schomberg rapidly formed his columns. Wil- 
liam looked on with anxious eye. James, too, looked on 
from the hill of Donore, elated or depressed as the battle 
went for or against him. 

The eagle eye of Sarsfield took in the position, and he 
besought King James to send his Lucan cavalry to sup- 
port Hamilton. James was undecided: he feared that 
Count Schomberg would turn his left, though Lausan 
with his French auxiliaries and three thousand Irish 
idly confronted him. Meantime, Duke Schomberg, 
having formed his cavalry, dashed into the river; while 
William, at the head of his troops, waved his sword, and 
cried out : “ Forward, men, to win this blundering day, 
and teach yon saucy kernes their distance! On their 
flank ! their flank I Courage, my friends, and victory ! 
Huzza ! ” 


7 


saesfield; ob, 


As the column under William was forming to dash 
through the river with the intention of turning James’s 
right, Schomberg’s cavalry was desperately engaged with 
the Irish cavalry and infantry ; while Schomberg’s ad- 
vance guards were on the bank of the river, the Irish horse 
swept down on them with the same fierce impetuosity 
as they did on Caillemotte’s troops before. At the first 
charge, Duke Schomberg and Bishop Walker the stern 
defender of Derry, were slain. 

His troops became disheartened, and the Irish, follow- 
ing up the victory, drove the most of them across the 
river. This was the turning tide of the battle. In the 
words of the historian Taylor : — 

“ Had James chosen this moment to place himself at 
the head of his troops for one general charge, or had the 
French auxiliaries attacked the Dutch in fiank, the event 
of the battle would certainly have restored his crown. 
But James, outraged and deceived by his French general, 
was at that moment concerting a retreat, and was afraid 
to send his reserve s to support the brave men so des- 
perately fighting for his crown. Had the reserves under 
Sarsfield and Maxwell now appeared to follow up the 
advantage and to check William’s advance, the battle 
would certainly have been won by the lush, for the tide 
was rapidly rising, and in one hour the river would 
be too deep for William to cross over to the support of 
Count Schomberg, who, in that case, would be compelled 
to surrender or be totally destroyed.” 

William, whose object was to strike the Irish army on 
the right, and thus cut it off from the capital, was, on 
hearing of the repulse of Schomberg’s troops, compelkd 
to abandon this plan, and to lead his left to the support 
of his centre. William, with about 12,0C0 infantry and 
cavalry, rapidly marched to the support of his centre* 
The Danish and Dutch horse led the advance, after them 
came the foot, followed by the Inniskillen horse. Plac^ 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 99 

ing himself between the cavalry and the infantry, he 
dashed into the river, the rising tide reaching the flanks 
of his horse. 

The brave Hamilton anxiously watched his movements, 
and withdrew some distance to re-form his horse, and 
also in the vain hope that the support which he had be- 
sought from the King would reach him. William, notic- 
ing this movement of the Irish, thought they were 
retreating and cheered on his troops. 

He was soon undeceived. Hamilton, having re-formed, 
and having given up all hopes of being supported, again 
dashed forward on William’s lines. 

The charge of the Irish was a fierce one. With one 
sweep they struck the Dutch and Danish horse; breast 
to breast the hostile steeds met. In the tremendous 
shock they broke through each other’s lines, and all was 
confusion, din, groans, and cheers. The Danes were 
scattered and fled, bearing the Prince along with them. 

William’s situation was becoming desperate. His 
Danish and Dutch horse were scattered and driven back 
into the river; his infantry were struggling to wade 
through its strong current, and were in several cases 
borne down by the flying cavalry, while the banks were 
becoming slippery and blocked up with dead men and 
horses. The Irish cavalry was pressing his front, while 
their infantry was sweeping his flanks. But he was 
calm and undaunted, and his presence and gallantry, no 
doubt, secured a victory that strongly leaned to James. 

The Enniskilleners had formed, and William, making 
his way to their head, cried out, “What will ye do for 
me ? ” To which they responded that they would follow 
him. He then placed himself at their head. The sight 
of the Enniskilleners roused all the vengeance and ire of 
the Irish, who wheeled round as before and swept down 
upon them. The Enniskilleners did not wait to receive 
the shock, but turned their horses and fled towards the 


100 


sabsfield; oe, 


river, and could not be brought again into action. Wil- 
liam, being thus deserted by the Enniskilleners, rode 
through his infantry and re-formed their lines. The 
Danish and Dutch rallied and formed round him, while 
he, with desperate resolve, pressed forward. 

The battle now raged along the whole line. The left 
and centre of the English army, fired to enthusiasm by 
the daring of their Prince, again rallied and dashed 
through the river, and, under cover of the Dutch Guards, 
who still stubbornly held their position under shelter of 
Don ore hill, they formed into line and renewed the con- 
test with desperate vigor. William’s advance was stub- 
bornly disputed by Berwick and Hamilton ; while three 
regiments of the Irish Guards, namely, Tyrconnell’s, Par- 
ker’s, and Gordon O’JSTtil’s, were thrown against Wil- 
liam’s centre, led by the Prince of Nassau, while the ex- 
empts, and a few squadrons of cavalry, made a most 
deadly resistance against the cavalry of William’s centre 
led by Hanmer. The English fiercely pressed on the 
Irish all along the line. They had crossed over their 
whole army, and in overwhelming numbers they pressed 
on the Irish at all points. 

The conflict now became desperate. The Irish Guards 
bravely held the enemy in check until Berwick arrived 
with a portion of the cavalry from the right. Hamilton, 
too, overpowered by William’s superior numbers, rallied 
his cavalry and pressed to the relief of the centre. Wil- 
liam, too, wheeled suddenly to his right and united with 
his centre. There a most desperate struggle took place 
between the Irish cavalry and the converging forces of 
the English. Though William had now massed his 
ti'oops in the centre, and fiercely pressed the Irish on 
all sides, the latter, having formed in front of them, for 
the protection of their infantry, hurled back charge after 
charge; until, after repelling ten successive assaults, 
they were driven back on the flank of their infantry. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 101 

Here they again re-formed and awaited William’s attack. 
The latt£r, astonished at the undismayed front of the 
Irish, halted to re-form his disorganized lines, when the 
Iiish infantry and cavalry, taking advantage of his hesi- 
tation, swept down upon his lines. The infantry burst 
through his front ranks, but were met breast to breast, 
steel to steel by the Dutch Guards, and, after a sharp but 
bloody contest, forced to fall back. The cavalry again 
swept down on the Guards and broke their lines, scat- 
tering them in confusion to the right and left. But 
their triumph was but momentary. William had closed 
in his flanks, completely surrounding the Irish army. A 
most desperate and sanguinary conflict ensued. AU 
were completely enveloped in dust and smoke. It was 
a regular hand-to-hand conflict on all sides. The Irish 
fought right and left in columns, and detached squad- 
rons and squads, as they best could. Their loss, both in 
men and officers, was very severe; the Earl of Carling- 
ford. Lord Dungan, Sir ‘N'eale O’N'eil, and the Marquis of 
Hoquincourt were among the slain, while the brave 
General Hamilton was wounded and a prisoner, and the 
Duke of Berwick unhorsed. 

Despite the immense odds against them and the loss 
of so many chief officers. Colonel Sheldon, at the head 
of the Irish cavalry, cut his way through the English 
lines, and again drew up to re-form with the determina- 
tion of flghting to the last man, when an order for re- 
treat ran along the Irish lines. While the Irish forces 
were thus desperately contending against an army three 
times their number, led on by their Prince in person, the 
man tor whom they were thus sacrificing all, even life 
itself, was looking on in trepidation, alarip and doubt, 
from the old churchyard of Donore. Wiien the gallant 
Sarsfield witnessed the desperate struggle raging in their 
front, in vain did he implore and beseech James to send 
him forward. But the hero, who in Flanders had excited 


102 


sarsfield; or, 


the admiration of Tarenne, had looked upon his left out- 
flanked, his centre broken, his right inactive, without 
making the least exertions to secure the victory that of- 
fered itself at the early part of the engagement, or to re- 
trieve the disasters that led to defeat. The soldier was 
lost in the betrayed friend, the deserted father ; and he 
who once was first in the charge, seemed now paralyzed 
and broken down, and too readily listened to the coun- 
sels of Lausan, whose intrigues and not his merit 
raised to Court favor, and who was better qualified to 
play the sycophant and courtier than to lead an army to 
victojy. John Banin, in his “Boyne Water,” gives the 
following graphic account of Sarsfield’s interview with 
James, and the fatal influence exercised over him by 
Lausan : — 

“ My liege, my liege I ” cried Sarsfield, the moment he 
came up, “ now, at the least, send down my Lucan men 
and their comrades, or all is lost!” 

“ How — where — whither?” asked James, his presence 
of mind quite gone. “ What news from Lauzan, and the 
left wing at Slane? That was your mission, General 
Sarsfield — speed it!” 

“Lausan has withdrawn the whole left towards Hu- 
leek, fearing young Schomberg’s movement to cut him 
off. But these horse, my liege — these horse! Shall I 
lead them down to Sheldon ? ” 

“ Has the enemy much force at Oldbridge ? I deemed 
their main body had marched on Slane ” 

“ You did, my liege, but it was in error. At Oldbridge 
their strength remained ; and while their left now tugs 
with our handful at Sheephouse, at Oldbridge they have 
crossed ” 

“ Keinforce our centre from our right!” cried James, 
wildly. 

“ Your Majesty should recollect that there is no right. 
That after weakening the centre by detachments to the 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 103 


left, when your Majesty deemed William’s main force had 
moved on Slane, Tyrconnell brought up his right to Old- 
bridge. But it matters not — one good charge, again suc- 
cessful, at Sheephouse, where, as your Majesty may see, 
our whole present strength has concentrated. One good 
charge, I say — let Sheldon be well seconded, and ” 

“Lausan! Lausan! where is Lausan?” interrupted 
James, heedless of what was said, and showing, in every 
look and word, the utter abandonment of an effort he 
had never manfully depended on, although obstinately 
and boyishly he had stood alone as its prompter. 
“ Where is our dear Lausan. I ask, whose advice, alone, 
can now help us to a conclusion ? You had our orders, 
sir, to send him a summons hither ” 

“ And obeyed the ordeis, my liege,” said Sarsfield, in 
cool indignation. “ He is here as a witness.” 

Lausan galloped, indeed, at the instant, into the 
churchyard. James rushed towards him — would almost 
have embraced him. 

“Let your Majesty guard your sacred person!” ex- 
claimed the French commander-in-chief. “Let your 
Majesty ride with me to join our left on theDuleek road. 
For Dublin, sire ! For France I ” 

“ Stir not, my liege ! ” cried Sarsfield, “ the day still wa- 
vers — look! William is still kept in check at Sheep- 
house; the remnant of our centre has just joined Shel- 
don, there — order me to head my Lucan horse and join 
him, too — order Count Lausan to march back his left— — ’’ 
‘ “ Haste, sire, haste ! ” interrupted Lausan, “ or the ene- 
my cuts you off from Dublin. Tour best friends are 
down or scattered— Sir Neale O’Neal at Slane ; my Lords 
of Dungan and Carlingford. the Marquis of Hoquincourt, 
Arundel, Ashford, Fitzgerald, most of the exempts, and 
many other officers in the centre. Of Parker’s two squad- 
rons of horse but thirty men have come off. Haste, sir© 
— for safety — for life ! ” 


104 


sarsfield; or, 


“ Is all then lost? ” asked James, faintly. “ Sarsfield” 
— ^he clasped his hand, and met his eyes — “ good friend, 
farewell ! ” and he was turning off with Lausan. 

“ God’s mercy, sire I do you leave us without a cause ? 
Will your Majesty, whose courage the world has seen and 
praised, show your back to the battle while it yet roars 
beneath your feet ? All is not lost, my liege— believe not 
the interested report of a dainty Frenchman. Look 
round you — over the field — on this hill — and see your sa- 
cred person still protected. Command me down, I say ! 
Or, mount, my gracious Prince, mount your own good 
horse, and let me put spur at your side. Head us, sire — 
head your own devoted people on a last charge — strike 
with your own sword one blow — ^for your triple crown, 
my liege — for your exiled Queen — for your infant son — 
cry courage ! for God, for St. George, and St. Patrick ! — 
and that will be the blow to end it ! ” 

“ There is not a moment to be lost,” whispered Lausan. 
James, his nerves completely shattered, moved like an 
automaton from the churchyard. 

“Gone!” resumed Sarsfield, standing overwhelmed 
with shame and rage. “ Accursed be the tongue that 
prompts him ! Accursed the rashness that brought us 
to this, and now too soon abandons us! Accursed 
be this day for us and for Ireland! And see, al- 
ready comes the teeming of the curse — Sheldon, unsup- 
ported, at last gives way, and wheels towards us — our 
shattered centre also retreats, round the rise, towards the 
Duleek pass — the cheers of our enemies shake the hiUs 
and skies. The battle is lost ! ” he continued, grinding, 
rather than stamping, his iron heel into the ground. 
“ I have now but one duty to perform ; my horse 
must follow to guard this poor King ” — large bodies of 
Irish troops here passed towards the Duleek road in 
good order — “ Tyrconnell, Sheldon and the rest will man- 
age a retreat for the centre.” 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 105 

An officer of dragoons, covered with soil and blood, 
dashed by the churchyard. 

“ Where is the King ? ” he asked of Sarsfield. 

Gone, Sheldon, gone! Ah! could we but change 
generals, we’d fight the battle over again ! ” answered 
his brother officer. 

“ Cead mille curses ! ” cried the brave man, fiercely 
spurring ofi*. 

Crowds of soldiers, horse and foot, stopped to look 
over the enclosure in front, obviously astonished, and 
muttering their remarks to each other. One, amid a 
group of very wild looking fellows, said, in simpering 
tones : 

“ Mostha, aye ; Shamus-a ,” using a vulgar, cruel, 

and unmerited Irish expletive, recollected to this day, 

but rather un suited to our pages. Shamus-a is 

gone, sure enough.’’ 


106 


sarsfield; oRj 


CHAPTEE VIIL 

King James's Blunders— He goes to France— Evacuation of 
Dublin — The City Pillaged by the Mob — Williom Refuses 
to Interfere — His Arrival in Dublin— More Confiscations — 
•Fo Mercy — 'The Irish March for Limerick — William's 
Army on the March — James in France, 

“ Rigli Snemus, he has gone to France, and left his crown be- 
hiuo— 

111 lucis be theirs, both day and night, put runnin’ in his 
mind; 

Lord Lucan followed after, with his slashers brave and true, 
And n3w tbe doletul keen is raised, ‘What will poor Ire- 
land do ? 

What must poor Ireland! do? 

Our luck, they say, has gone to France;— what can poor 
Ireland do? 

James’s blundering career since his abdication 
was one grand comedy of errors. Betrayed and deceived 
both by the English and French, deserted by his nobles 
and generals, he became distrustful and vacillating. 

On his arrival in Ireland, he weakened his force by 
sending three thousand men to Scotland, who shared 
the same fate as those sent to England under Hamilton. 
Again, at a most critical moment, when William was pre- 
paring to invade Ireland, he sent to France six thousand 
of his choice troops, under the brave Mountcashel, in 
exchange for the six thousand French who arrived with 
Lausun. He thus deprived himself of one of his bravest 
generals, and the flower of the Irish army, for a general 
Who had his own intrigues and schemes to forward in 
France, and was, therefore, anxious to leave Ireland, 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 107 

even at the sacrifice of the King and his cause. Lausan 
was a man of dubious loyalty and of very doubtful cour- 
age. More of the courtier and politician than the gen- 
eral; he was anxious to get back to France to counteract 
the intrigues of his enemies ; and, knowing that the de- 
feat of J ames would expedite the return home of the 
French auxiliaries, it is strongly suspected that all his 
cowardly blunders at the Boyne were intentional on his 
part. 

Had Mountcashel, with his six thousand Irish, held 
his position. Count Schomberg could not have effected 
a landing; or, if he did succeed, he would certainly have 
been hurled back again, thus disconcerting all William’s 
plans ; and as William’s centre was too hard pressed to 
support him, the result of the battle would be quite 
different. On the contrary, Lausan held his six thous- 
and French and three thousand Irish inactive during 
the whole battle, under the cowardly pretence of watch- 
ing Count Schomberg and keeping him in check, when 
he should have engaged him. Their forces were nearly 
equal; and if eleven thousand Irish made such a desper- 
ate stand against the remainder of William’s army, he cer- 
tainly should not hesitate to encounter Count Schomberg 
upon nearly equal terms. Even while the struggle was 
uncertain, when Sarsfield implored the King to send 
him and his Lucan horse against William, Lausan was 
urging him to save himself and fiy. Ho wonder that the 
Irish generals should look upon such a man with con- 
tempt allied with a strong suspicion of his loyalty. 

The blunders of James were fatal to his prospects in 
Ireland. He disconcerted the arrangements for the 
surrender of Derry, and afterwards frustrated the chances 
of a second offer of surrender by standing on some silly 
punctilios, and thus protracted the rebellion in Ulster 
until the arrival of Schomberg. After the battle of the 
Boyne, he hastily fled tc Dublin, and, acting on the ad- 


108 


sarsfield; or. 


vice of Lausan and his council, he resolved to quit the 
country and the army that so bravely battled against 
such terrible odds for him. In this he committed ano- 
ther great mistake, for had he sent Tyrconuell or some 
statesman of diplomatic ability to France, and remained 
himself with his Irish army, his determination to hold 
out to the last would have called forth the sympathy 
and support of the French nation. 

After the King’s arrival in Dublin, he ordered the 
army to rendezvous at Limerick, and, having committed 
the government of the country to Tyrconnell, he issued 
an address in which he affectingiy thanked the people 
for their support, and bade them an affectionate fare- 
well. He left the city escorted by Browns and Purcell’s 
regiments of the Guards, which he left at Bray to cover 
his retreat, should a pursuit be attempted. He thence 
proceeded to Wicklow, wnere he sptnt the night at the 
house of a gentleman named Hackett. From this he 
proceeded to Waterford. Having learned that the 
French ship De Lausan, of twenty guns, was moored at 
Passage, with a cargo of corn and supplies, he at once 
got aboard of her and sailed for Kinsale, where, after a 
short delay, he embarked for Brest, arriving there on the 
9th of July. He gives all the particulars of his flight in 
his “ Memoirs,” and makes of it a chapter savoring more 
of the romantic than the real. He was urged on at 
every step by Troquette, Famechon, Chamarante, and 
Merode, French colonels, who seemed as anxious as the 
King to quit the country. 

On his way to France, he fell in with the French fleet 
of M. de Seignelay, which was on its way to destroy 
William’s transports along the Irish coast, and which 
James ordered back with him. Thus ended the military 
career and reign of the unfortunate James II., and with 
him perished the dynasty of the Stuarts. He died at St. 
Germains, in France, on the 16th of September, 1701. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 109 

Few men have been more maligned than this unfortu- 
nate monarch. He possessed some great and noble 
qualities, which, owing to the intolerant spirit of the 
times, were used to his disadvantage by his enemies ; 
but overpowered by his misfortunes, he yielded to 
adverse circumstances, instead of nerving himself to 
encounter them. Completely under the control of the 
courtier Lausan, who hated Ireland and the Irish as a 
barbarous nation and people, he disregarded the advice 
of his Irish generals, who knew both the country and the 
people well. Had he not done so, he would have succeeded 
in winning back his crown, for at the very moment he 
was fleeing from Ireland, William’s affairs looked most 
hopeless. Defeated by the allies at Fleams, the French 
fleet, victorious at sea, and on its way to Ireland, dis- 
affection increasing against William in England, there 
was nothing to thwart the final success of James but his 
own rashness and weakness, aided by the evil counsels 
of his pretended friends. 

Considering the desperate nature of the conflict^ and 
the numerical inferiority of the Irish troops at the 
Boyne, their loss was not very severe. The Duke of 
Berwick, who ought to be the best judge, set it down at 
one thousand, while the prejudiced accounts of English 
writers make it as high as fifteen hundred, and Harris, 
William’s historian, sets down their loss at about five 
hundred. 

The defeat of James’s army at the Boyne fell like a 
thunderbolt on the people of Dublin. The city was 
crowded with visitors from aU parts of the country; 
some having fled there for protection, others to do 
homage to the King, and to enjoy the gayeties and fes- 
tivities of the Court. 

As soon as the news of the disaster at the Boyne 
reached Dublin, all was confusion and consternation. 
The savage cruelties of the EnniskiUeners and some of 


110 


sabsfield; oe, 


the Dutch troops, in Ulster, made the people fearful that 
the same fate awaited themselves, and all were eager to 
eave with the army. 

The Irish officers, desperate by their defeat, and con- 
scious of their weakness, made rapid preparations to 
abandon the city after the departure of the King. 

Had William rapidly followed up the retreating Irish 
army, he could have so demoralized it that the most of 
them would be compelled to provide for themselves by 
desertion, or suffer themselves to be captured; and 
Dublin, with all the stores and supplies which the Irish 
troops removed, would have fallen into his hands. The 
stubborn resistance of the Irish at the Boyne made him 
feel his way. Though he had gained a decided victory, 
his army was too crippled to follow up his success with 
sufficient dispatch to turn his victory into a complete 
defeat for his opponent. While Colonel Simon Loutrell^ 
the military Governor of Dublin, was making arrange- 
ments for the surrender of the city, the Irish cavalry, 
under Berwick, retarded the advance of the Willi amite 
army for several days, and, having succeeded in executing 
this mission, they joined the Irish army at the general 
rendezvous, at Leixlip. 

The defeat of the Boyne and the flight of James al- 
most broke down the spirit of Colonel McCarthy. The 
old soldier’s dreams of a free country, restored estates, 
and a quiet, tranquil evening of life in' his own paternal 
mansion were all dissipated. He had raised up a bright 
idol in his imagination, but stern reality shattered it to 
pieces. His golden dreams had vanished, and his old 
age seemed destined to end in war and strife, as his ear- 
ly life had commenced. 

Eveleen, too, felt that her sweet dreams of love and 
happiness were destined to many reverses before they 
could be realized. War had broken up the quiet repose 
of her cottage life. It had taken away her lover, per- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. Ill 

haps, to wreath his brow with the heroes laurels entwin- 
ed with Cyprus leaves. Her grief sprung even from a 
higher source than all this. She loved King James as 
her king ; she pitied him for his sorrows ; and now 
that his cause looked hopeless, her love and her pity in- 
creased the more as she witnessed his fallen greatness. 

The first news of the disaster of* the battle of the 
Boyne was brought to Dublin by the King himself, or 
some of his escorts. As they entered the court-yard 
their sad and silent looks told of their defeat. James 
entered the court and paced up and down the hall with 
troubled and downcast looks. He immediately sum- 
moned his council. While waiting their arrival, some 
French officers, who accompanied him, discussed the 
events of the battle. 

“My liege,” said Colonel Chamarante, “had those 
Irish but held William from crossing a little longer, he 
could not ford the river, and there is no knowing how 
things wDuld result.” 

“Aye, aye, my liege,” rejoined Famechon, “they have 
no discipline, no tactics ; could not be kept in position 
like trained soldiers, you know.” 

Sarsfield fiercely strode up and down the room. It 
was intolerable to him to hear these popinjay, bedizened 
French dandies, who viewed the battle from a cafe dis- 
tance, talk thus slightingly of the brave men who so no- 
bly fought through it. He turned sharply on the French 
officers and said : — 

“ It ill-becomes French officers, who, while their men, 
were idle spectators of the battle, to talk slightingly of 
the brave men who have confirmed their loyalty to their 
King and his cause with their lives.” 

“ Come, Sarsfield, you know they gave way, and but 
for their cowardice at Oldbridge, Lausan assures me that 
we would not have lost the day. I saw them run my- 
self, Sarsfield.” 


112 


saesfield; oe, 


“If they did run, my liege,” said Lady Tyrconnell, 
who was present, “ your Majesty and your French escort 
appear to have distanced them in the race.” 

The King almost bit his lips with chagrin and vexa- 
tion. 

“ I would say nothing to touch your Majesty’s feel- 
ings,” replied Sarsfield, “ but I must say that the cow- 
ardice and ill council of De Lausan have caused us the 
loss of the battle, and that he lies when he says that the 
Irish acted cowardly.” 

“ Good Saints !” cried James, “are we to be insulted 
in our trouble ! ” 

“ I crave your pardon, my liege, for any hasty or rude 
expression I may have used in your presence,” exclaimed 
Sarsfield, as he bowed his head and dropped on one 
knee before the king. 

“ And 1. too, my much injured sovereign ! ” exclaimed 
Lady TyrconneU. 

“ Sarsfield,” answered James, as he extended one hand 
to him and the other to Lady Tyrconnell, “ and you. 
Lady Tyi’connell, from my heart I forgive any hasty ex- 
pressions. You, w'ho have suffered and risked so much 
for my cause, would not willinglv wound me in my fall ! ” 

“ JSTo, no, my liege ; I would willingly die for you ! ” ex- 
claimed Sarsfield as he kissed his hand, and the big tears 
gathered in the soldier’s eyes. 

James’s voice faltered as he exclaimed: “Farewell — 
farewell, friends, all — and now, Sarsfield, when I am gone 
get on as best you can with Lausan ; be friends for my 
sake ! ” 

“ My gracious liege, will you not let me escort you 
until I see you safely on board?” 

“No, Sarsfield, no; the army could not spare you. 
There are plenty officers who can be better spared at 
such a time than you ! ” 

As King James bade a farewell to aU his friends pre- 


9 


THE EAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 113 

vious to his departure from the castle, Eveleen could not 
refrain from weeping at the forlorn state of the poor 
Kiug and his fallen greatness. James approached her, 
and affectionately placed his hand on her head as he ex- 
claimed: ‘‘ Poor child ! I have brought nothing hut sor- 
row and trouble upon you and yours, and yet you shed 
tears at my misfortunes. I had daughters, whom I loved 
tenderly, with all the affection of a fond father, yet they 
have abandoned me, and by their ingratitude and cruel- 
ty they have stung me to the heart. My daughters ! my 
daughters i Had you but the affection and virtues of this 
young maiden, you might have been a blessing to my old 
age, instead of being a withering curse to me ! ” 

After James had taken his^eparture, Sarsfield, wearied 
and exhausted from the late arduous campaign, sought 
repose at his own house, where he was joined by Colonel 
McCarthy, Eveleen and Major O’Donnell. 

When Mountcashel left for France, Hugh was but slow- 
ly recovering from his wounds, and easily got transferred 
to Gen. Sarsfield’s staff; besides, he had resolved not to 
leave Ireland while a blow was to be struck for her de- 
liverance. 

As the Lucan cavalry were but partially engaged, he 
did not participate much in the late battle. Having 
ridden with despatches to General Hamilton just before 
one of his sweeping charges, he rode beside the General 
and participated in the dreadful hand to hand encounter 
that followed. He received a slight sabre wound in the 
breast, and his horse having been shot under him, the 
animal in falling pinioned him to the ground by catch- 
ing his leg under him. He might have been crushed or 
trampled to death, had not Sarsfield, in the one charge 
he made with his little squadron of cavalry, recognized 
his horse and rescued him from his perilous position. 

The little party assembled at Sarsfield’s house felt 
happy that their friends had escaped the battle, yet sor- 

8 


114 


saesfield; or, 


rowful at the dark prospects before them. They had all 
resolved to quit Dublin with the army, as they had heard 
too much of the savage cruelties perpetrated by William’s 
soldiers to leave unprotected females at their mercy. 
Eveleen, too, had her secret reasons for not remaining in 
Dublin. She had for some time been persecuted by the 
unwelcome addresses of a Mr. Saunders, who was the 
son of a wealthy burgher of Dublin. His attentions had 
become so persistent and annoying, that at length she 
told him that she was engaged. As he was apparently a 
warm royalist, he soon ingratiated himself with Lady 
Sarsfield, and from her he learned the whole particulars 
of Eveleen’s engagement with young O’Donnell. He 
took a favorable opportunity to see Eveleen alone, and 
again urged his suit. She firmly but respectfully refused, 
teUing him her heart and hand belonged to another. 
He, jealous with passion and love, and finding that en- 
treaties were of no avail, now resorted to threats. He 
told her that if she did not consent to marry him, that 
he would join William’s army, and reveal aU he knew of 
James’s movements and intentions. 

“ So,” said she proudly, “ would you have me give my 
love to a traitor ? ” 

“ It depends upon you whether he become a traitor or 
not.” 

“ Then my love, or, at least, my hand, is the price you 
set upon your fealty to your Sovereign ? ” 

“ You put it in too strong a light, Miss McCarthy. I 
love you blindly, sincerely, with a love that man sel- 
dom feels for woman. I offer you my heart, my fortune ; 
if you accept them, I join your friends to fight for King 
James ; if you refuse them, I’ll become desperate I ” 

‘‘ Mr. Saunders,” she replied, “ I have respected you, 
though I could not love you, for I thought you were 
honorable and upright. You have now shown yourself 
in your true colors to me ; and for the man who would 


THE LAST GKEAT STEUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 116 

barter his honor, his loyalty, and his manhood — even for 
the woman he loved — I have nothing but contempt. 
So farewell ! ” 

As she said this, she rose up to leave the room. 

“Stop!” he cried, grasping her by the hand. “You 
drive me to desperation, woman. If you will not return 
my love, I’ll have revenge — deep, bitter revenge!” he 
hissed between his teeth. 

Though Eveleen was alarmed, yet she felt a natural 
anxiety to learn his design, knowing that it involved 
the safety of those she loved. 

“ I scorn your vengeance, sir ! ” she replied. “ Unhand 
me, or I will alarm the servants ! ” 

“You scorn my vengeance, do you? Well, we’ll see. 
Suppose I give to the enemy of James all I know of his 
intentions, forces and designs; suppose I join William’s 
army, and bide my time to slay the man who dare stand 

my way, what do you think of that ? ” 

“ Base wretch, leave my presence. I loathe you and 
defy you!” 

“ You do ? Well, I swear to have revenge. I swear to 
tell all I know to the enemy, and to watch and dog 
young O’Donnell until I take his heart’s blood, if you 
reject me. Now will you save your King, whose cause 
you love, and your kinsman, by wedding a man who 
adores you ? ” 

Eveleen became alarmed at the demoniac expression 
on his face, and violently rang a bell that stood on a tar 
ble near her. 

As he heard the approaching footsteps of the ser- 
vants, who hurried up at the summons, he hissed: “ Ee- 
venge — revenge black and bitter; I swear it, by heaven!” 

When the servants entered the j oom Eveleen was alone 
and weeping. Though she kept the interview a secret 
from her friends, still, she feared Saunders’ threats. 

This man was now a Captain in the Enniskilleners 


116 


B.AJBSFx£iXiD ^ 


hence Eveleen’s dread of remaining unprotected in Dub- 
lin after the Jacobite army. 

‘‘It is hard, very hard!” exclaimed Sarsfield, as he 
strode up and down the chamber. ‘* It’s bad enough to 
'be defeated by the mismanagement of a poor, bungling 
king, whose head is turned by his own afflictions, com- 
bined with the cowardice or treachery of those styling 
themselves our friends, but* to be forced to leave our 
houses and properties to the mercy of William’s godless 
army, and to drag tender women and children along 
with us on this rough march, is unbearable.” 

“ There is no help for it ; no help for it. General. 
They’U get on bravely; aye, won’t you, Eveleen ? ” said 
Colonel McCarthy, turning to his grand-daughter. 

“ That we will, father. You don’t know what a brave 
little soldier I am. I can bear all the hardships and fa- 
tigues of the march without a murmur. Wait, father, 
and you. General,” she continued, as she stood before him 
with a brave look ; “ you are fretting about us, but, 
General, we indeed will be happy with our friends, with 
those we love — ^much happier than to remain behind 
without a protector.” 

‘' Eveleen speaks truly,” said Lady Sarsfield, as she em- 
braced her husband ; “ we will go with you and share 
your fate, and should you get wounded or sick, we will 
be near to tend and comfort you.” 

“Be it so, my dear,” replied the General, “ though it 
goes to my heart to deprive you of the comforts of a 
home for the privations of a soldier’s life. ” 

“ I am glad that you have consented. General,” said 
Major O’Donnell, as he grasped Sarsfield by the hand. 
“ I could not feel at ease, neither could I fight with a 
soldier’s devotion, if this sweet girl was left exposed to 
nameless dangers and annoyances after me.” 

As Hugh said this, he took Eveleen by the hand, and 
whispered — 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 117 

Eveleen, dear, won’t you feel safer with us than to 
be left here ? ” 

“ Yes, dear Hugh, wherever you are I feel happy,” was 
the confiding reply. 

God bless — God bless ye, my children ! ” exclaimed 
the old Colonel, as he placed his hands upon their heads. 
“ May an old man’s blessing guard and protect ye, and 
may this dark cloud pass away, and a brighter morn 
soon dawn upon ye.” 

Aye, aye. Colonel,” exclaimed Sarsfield,his usual gay 
spirits returning, “ I know that Hugh will be a better 
soldier to have Eveleen near; and I will feel, too, that I 
have something worth living for near me.” 

So saying, he embraced his wife and fondled his little 
girl in his arms. She, in her innocence, prattled away, 
and played with the gold lace that fringed his dress, un- 
til at length he laid her down, saying: 

“ There, little puss; poor innocent, I fear you have a 
hard journey before you. Now, let us give attention to 
our journey, for we must start to-morrow morning. It 
is too churlish of us. Colonel McCarthy, not to wait to 
give the Prince of Orange a right royal welcome to our 
city. I tell you. Colonel, I admire that stern little Dutch- 
man. Whatever his sins and failings may be, he is a 
soldier. Had you seen him, as I have, in the midst of 
the fight, rallying and cheering bis men, you would re- 
spect him. There he was, regardless of danger, but re- 
solved to be victorious or perish ; while our poor King 
stood irresolute on the top of Donore, without the pres- 
ence of mind or judgment to retrieve disasters, or to 
take advantage of the enemy’s mistakes, or the courage, 
when the issue of battle hung in the balance, to make 
one final charge at the head of his reserves.” 

After the Irish army had taken its departure from 
Dublin, the Willianiite and Protestant inhabitants rav- 
aged the city in a most wanton manner. Houses were 
ransacked, furniture, statuary, pictures, and works of 


118 


saesfield; or, 


art, were either destroyed or carried away. Sarsfield’s 
house, which was left in charge of a faithful servant, be- 
came a special object of their vengeance. It was not 
only rifled, but totally demolished. The mob threatened 
to burn the city, but it must, in justice to Fitzgerald, the 
governor, be stated, that he did all in his power to put a 
stop to these scenes of rapine and violence. He even 
dispatched a messenger to William’s camp for forces 
sufficient to suppress them. William, who remained en- 
camped near Drogheda for some days after its su> render, 
paid no attention to the governor’s message, and the 
most lawless scenes were enacted in and around the city 
in the meantimCc Most of the Catholic inhabitants had 
to fly to the country, and several were killed in trying 
to defend their property or their honor. 

William, having marched for the capital and encamped 
his army at Finglass, was received by the obsequious 
Parliament, which had been assembled to meet him, and 
by the Protestant inhabitants, with the most abject de- 
monstrations of loyalty. 

Every conquest of Ireland is sure to be followed by 
wholesale confiscations; and William, yielding to the 
pressure of the needy adventurers who followed his 
standard, issued a proclamation of amnesty to the lower 
classes on resuming their allegiance, while at the same 
time he issued a commission for seizing all the estates 
and effects of the gentry who had espoused the cause of 
James, or in any way aided or abetted him. It is need- 
less to state that this commission was executed with 
relentless vigor, and that sweeping confiscations fol- 
lowed. Even his offers of mercy to the people were dis- 
regarded, and those who, by acts of clemency might 
be induced to return to their homes, were driven by 
desperation to join the Irish army or the Kapparees. 

After a short stay in Dublin, William resolved to 
prosecute the campaign. He reviewed his army at Fin- 
glass, and mapped out the plan for his future campaign. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 119 

His own command, and the troops of Schomberg at the 
Boyne, were to proceed along the coast, and, after reduc- 
ing the eastern counties to submission, were to proceed 
to the reduction of Limerick. In the meantime General 
Douglas, with about ten thousand men, was to proceed 
across the country to capture the fortress of Athlone. 

The Irish troops, after the evacuation of Dublin, 
rendezvoused at Leixhp, and thence took up their 
march to Limerick. 

Here they were re-enforced by large numbers of the 
peasantry, and several of the scattered band of Kapparees, 
but, being unprovided with arms or acoutrements to 
equip them, they had to dismiss thousands who had 
offered their services. With these additions, Lausan 
found himself at the head of about twenty thousand 
men. As for the French auxiharies they had been 
partially disbanded. Neaily one-half of them, under De 
La Hoquette, had marched towards Cork with the 
intention of returning to France, while the remainder, 
under Du Surlaube, brought up the rear of the Irish 
army, and followed Lausan to Limerick. 

Count Lausan, impatient to be called to France, 
through his agents at the French court, represented the 
Jacobite cause in Ireland as hopeless. By such repre- 
sentations, the war in Ireland was made unpopular in 
France. Tyrconnell, too, looked upon the cause of James 
as hopeless, joined in the schemes of Lausan, thus 
hoping, that by a timely submission, he could make 
such terms with William as would secure him his vast 
estates. Owing partly to all these false representations 
of the state of affairs in Ireland, James’s reception by 
the French King Louis was far from flattering, and he 
gave him little hopes of sending any immediate succor 
to Ireland. In this course, Louis was encouraged by his 
minister, a bitter rival of Lausan, and now, seeing an 
opportunity for his ruin, seized on it, even at the sacri- 
fice of the interest of his master and the cause of James. 


120 


saksfield; ob, 


CHAPTEE IX 

The Siege of Limerick — Noble Defence of Athlone — The 
Council of War — SarsfleWs Determined Stand — Wih 
Ham before Limerick — Destruction of William’s -4r- 
tillery Train by Sarsfield, 

“ Hiiriah ! for the men, who when danrer is nig-li 
Are found in the front, looking death in the eye; 

Hurrah! foi the men that kept Limenck’s wall. 

And hurrah! for bold Sarsfield, tne bravest of ail! 

“ From Limerick, that day, hold Sarsfield dashed away, 

Until he came to Cullen, where their artillery lay; 

The Lord cleared up the firmament, the moon and stars shone 
bright, 

And for the Battle of th© Boyne he had revenge that night.” 

Irish Ballad, 

The City of Limerick consists of tliree distinct parts, 
namely, one on the right bank of the Shannon, in the 
County Clare; one on the left bank, in the County 
Limerick ; and a third part occupies an island in the 
liver called King s Island. This portion of the city is 
called Englishtown, while that in the County Limerick 
is designated Irishtown. 

Englishtown is connected with the other sections by 
two bridges, called Thomond Bridge and City Bridge. 
Such is Limerick of to-day. Such was Limerick at the 
time when the Prince ot Orange drew up his army before 
it. 

When the Irish army arrived there, according to the 
Duke of Berwick, it had “ no other fortifications than a 
wall without ramparts, and a few miserable towers 
without ditches.” When the Irish army reached Lim- 
erick, Lausan convened a council of war of his chief 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 121 

officers, and at once proclaimed the city as untenable, in 
which view he was sustained by Tyrconnell and a large 
peace party, who, either terrified by William’s success, 
or wishing to conciliate William by a base surrender, 
were in favor of abandoning Limerick, and offering 
terms of surrender to William. They knew that Wil- 
liam’s affairs at home and on the continent were pressing, 
and that the time was favorable to get good terms from 
him, and thus secure their properties from confiscation. 
Besides these, the French officers backed their com- 
mander, and they were supported by a number of 
English Protestant officers, who had come over with 
James, but whose sympathies were with William. In 
opposition to this formidable peace coalition, were the 
most of the Irish nobles and generals, the Irish Bishops, 
and the Irish soldiers, who were enthusiastic in the cause 
of their King, their religion, and their country. This 
party was headed by Sarsfield and the brave Duke of 
Berwick. 

The council was a stormy one. Lausan, in his arro- 
gance, accused the Irish of retreating at the Boyne. 
Sarsfield flung the accusation in his teeth, and told him 
that but for his cowardice in keeping nine thousand 
men inactive during the engagement, and then advising 
James to retreat, when one bold charge might have 
changed the issue of the battle, the result would have 
been quite different. 

Lausan chafed with rage, and threatened Sarsfield 
with arresfc. 

The latter replied that such an act would be worthy 
of him, as he did nothing since he came to Ireland but 
thwart the royal cause and vilify the Irish. 

Tyrconnell and the Bishops interposed their offices, 
and reminded them that recriminations were unworthy 
of them, and the time should be given to the object for 
which the council was convened. 


122 


sarsfield; or, 


The peace party urged the policy of surrender. Lau- 
san commended their wisdom and judgment, and wound 
up by saying, “ What madness, what hot-headed folly to 
think to hold a crumbling old town, without works, 
without fortifications, without guns, even, I’ll say, with- 
out troops, against William’s powerful, well-appointed 
army. Why, my master could take the place with roast- 
ed apples ! ” 

“ Then let your master bring his roasted apples, for, 
by heavens. I’ll defend the town with my Irish troops, 
even though you and your men should desert us,” warm- 
ly replied Sarsfield. 

“ And I will support you,” exclaimed the Duke of Ber- 
'wick. 

‘‘ And I,” and I ” exclaimed each and every one of the 
Irish Bishops and the Irish officers, including the O’JS'eals, 
Maguires, M’Guinesses, the M’ Mahons, O’Farrells, 
O’Keilys, O’Garras and Purcells. 

Lausan and his supporters were dumbfounded. The 
council had become so noisy and turbulent that word 
reached the Irish troops that Sarsfield was placed under 
arrest by Lausan. 

The news spread like wild-fire from camp to camp, 
and the infuriated Irish hastily turned out to stand by 
their idolized General. A mutiny in the army was im- 
minent had not Sarsfield appeared among them and 
quieted their fears. 

Lausan, piqued and crestfallen, withdrew his French 
troops to the County Clare side of the Shannon, and 
there encamped, fully resolved on taking no part in the 
defence of the city. 

Not so with Sarsfield and Berwick. They knew that 
the fall of Limerick would be fatal to the cause of James, 
and were resolved to hold it at all sacrifices. 

It was their principal depot of provisions and military 
stores; it was the key of the defences on the Shannon, 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 123 

and one of the few ports of entry now remaining in their 
possession. 

To abandon Limerick would be to abandon their 
cause, and they accordingly set their minds on holding it 
to the last extremity, in which resolve they were support • 
ed by the governor, De Boisselau. They at once set about 
repairing the defences with great energy and vigor. The 
provisions of the garrison were inadequate to the main- 
tenance of a large force for any length of time. They 
therefore reduced the defending force to eight thousand 
infantry, and distributed the rest among the different 
forts along the river, up to Lanesborough. They had 
only nine guns of inferior calibre (Lausan having 
withdrawn his artillery from the city), with a small sup- 
ply of ammunition. 

They raised a covered way around the wall to protect 
the soldiers in passing from point to point. St. John’s 
gate was strengthened on the outside by a redoubt and 
pallisades, and on the inside by a fort called the “ Black 
Battery.” A bastion had been constructed, commanding 
the bridge connecting the English and Irish town, and a 
fort Tvas constructed on King’s Island, the guns of 
which raked the front of the wall as far as the main 
gate.* 

When the Prince of Orange reviewed his army at Fin- 
glass, before his departure, it numbered forty thousand 
men, ten thousand of whom were despatched, under 
Douglas, to besiege Athlone. After his repulse there, he 
formed a junction with William, at Caherconlish, and 
their combined army mustered 38.000 men. 

With this force, William sat down to reduce a city 
which Lausan said could be taken with roasted apples. 

* Story gives to tbe besiegers thirty- six guns and four mor- 
tars, and but seven to the besieged. It is probable teat tney 
ha^i ntne, nmmeJiy : three on the tower on the southern angle of 
the wall; two in the redoubt commanding St. Jonn’s Gate; 
two on the bastion near the bridge, and two more in the fort 
on King’s Island. 


124 


saesfield; oe, 


William’s march to Limerick was checked by little or 
no opposition. The forts and works of Waterford, Car- 
rick-on-Suir, Kilkenny, and Clonmel, had been disman- 
tled during the war of the Confederacy ; besides, they 
were garrisoned by few men, and were able to offer no 
effective resistance. In fact, there were neither works 
nor troops on his line of march to retard his movements. 

Douglas, on the contrary, on his marcJi for Athlone, 
was beset on all hands, night and day, by the Eapparees. 
His army was allowed to commit all kinds of excess and 
pillage. The peasantiy were slain, or had to fly for 
safety to the ranks of the Eapparees. His march was 
one of rapine and plunder, varied by innumerable 
military disasters. When he reached Athlone, his army 
was considerably reduced and disheartened. 

Athlone was garrisoned by eight hundred men, under 
command of Colonel Eichard Grace. This noble old 
veteran had spent his life in camps and war’s turmoil. 
Twice, in his youth, he had defended Athlone against 
the arms of Cromwell, and again he stood there, now in 
his eightieth year, as fearless and undaunted as ever. 

Douglas appeared before the town on the 17th of July, 
and sent in an insulting demand for a surrender. The 
old soldier, roused to indignation by this and the atro- 
cities of Douglas, flashed his pistol in the face of the 
herald, and, pointing to a red flag which he had hoisted, 
said, “These are my terms; these only will I give or 
take.” 

Douglas made repeated assaults and attempts on 
Athlone, but was each time hurled back with slaughter by 
the garrison. His cruelty now began to recoil on him- 
self ; for, running short of provisions, he had so devas- 
tated the country that he could not draw a supply from 
it; besides the peasantry and daring Eapparees fell upon 
his foraging parties and cut them up in detail. 

Douglas was now harassed on all sides, and hearing 
that Sarsfield, with his horse, was marching from Lim- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 125 

erick to raise the siege, he hastily abandoned his heavy 
baggage, and marched by a circuitous route, in order 
to avoid meeting Sarsfield, to form a junction with Wil- 
liam near Limerick. After a harassing march of four- 
teen days, fighting his way through the peasantry and 
Rapparees* on all sides, he reached Caherconlish, and 
there formed a junction with William on his way to 
Limerick. 

On the 8th of August, William appeared in sight of 
Limerick, while De Lausan, as if to dishearten the Irish, 
or afraid to hold his position, though the Shannon inter- 
vened between him and the English, hastily struck his 
tents and march-ed to Galway, whence he shortly after 
sailed to France, t 

* “The Bapparees have been freely called robbers, thieves, 
and bog-trotters by English writers. They were no more rob- 
bers than Alfred the Great, when he carried on a diesultery war 
against the Danes, issuing upon them from the bogs of Somer- 
setshire. Many of the Irish Eapparees were men of influence 
and education, who, being despoiled of their possessions 
by the English, were driven to take up arms for their defence 
and protection. Many of them, too, held commissions under 
James, such as Macabe, Grace, Higgins, Callaghan, Cavanagh, 
the White Sergeant, Galloping Hogan, and tne brave O’CarroAl 
Fada, O’Carxoll was a Tipperary gentleman of immense size, 
as his soubriquet or tall, signifies. This daring Rappaiee 
chief seized on the castle of N^^nagh, and not only held it de- 
spite the frequent attacks of the English, hut also sallied out 
on his enemies on several occasions. At length, being driven 
from bis stronghold, in 1691, he reached Limerick in satety 
with five hundred men, despite the pursuit of Ginkle’s cavalry. 

t King James, in Ms Memoirs, says “ As soon as the enemy 
had appear’d before Limerick, the French Generali, with all 
his troops, marched streight to Galway, takeing with him a 
great quantety of ammunition, &c.; so that instead of assist- 
ance during the siege, the Irish were weaken’d by them in 
their stores, which might have been necessary for the r de- 
fence ! ” Then, after mentioning that Laasan indeed gave back 
what be had lalren, though not until after the siege was 
raised,” James very properly remarks, “ that this piece of con- 


126 


sarsfield; or, 


On the 9th, William approached the city with great 
caution. The Irish pickets skirmished with his advance, 
but fell back before him. William took up his position 
between St. John’s Gate and King’s Island, extending 
his lines to the right and left. 

He summoned the governor, Boisselau, to surrender, 
and was so certain of his request being acceded to, that 
he requested Boisselau to send officers to regulate the 
terms of capitulation. But the brave French governor 
replied that he was resolved to defend the place to the 
last for his master, the King of Great Britain, thus ig- 
noring William’s claim to that title. 

TyrconneU was still commander-in-chief of the Irish 
army, but Sarsfield and the Duke of Berwick were the 
ruling spirits. 

The Duke of Berwick complains, in his memoirs, 
of the interference of TyrconneU in preventing him 
from operating on William’s rear with the cavalry, 
and destroying his magazines and supplies as far as 
Dublin. In justice to TyrconneU it must be stated, 
that his objection arose from the fact that, if he sent off 
his cavalry, the river between Limerick and Killaioe 
would be left unprotected, and William could cross his 
army over to the County Clare side of the city, where 
there were no forts or works to oppose him. 

The enemy began operations by raising two batteries 
— one at CromweU’s fort of five pieces of cannon, and 
one of four pieces on the side of a lunette they had 

duct, in aban^oninqr a country they were sent to su3COiir, and 
wnich it was so mucli tne Interest of France to support at so 
criilcal a juncture, when the last stake was eng^agel, and the 
Irish resolved to make a vigorous defrnce, ucas such a paredox 
as scarce could he fathomed ! which he adds, that some 

discontented persons sayd that Monsieur Lausune and tne 
French bein^ excessive weary of the country, had a mind Lim- 
erick should be taken, to excuse iheir leaving it, that therefore 
they cared not how things went, nor what disorder they com- 
mited.** 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAE^D. 127 

thrown up. They also threw up a trench, extending 
from the middle redoubt. 

William having established his batteries and redoubts, 
ordered the Prince of Wurtemburg, with seven battal- 
ions, comprising English, Danish, Dutch and French 
infantry, to open the trenches and to push forward the 
works. As they advanced the Irish poured grenades on 
them, while the batteries from King’s Island did excel- 
lent execution. After a desperate struggle, the English 
seized two redoubts, and advanced within eighty paces 
of the covered way ; but were again forced to retire to 
their trenches, from the desperate fire of the Irish. 

William, finding that the siege was likely to be a pro- 
tracted one, dispatched orders to Clonmel to hasten up 
his battering trains and pontoons, which were on their 
way to join them. 

The intelligence being conveyed to the Governor by 
two French deserters from William, Sarsfield at once con- 
ceived the bold design of intercepting and destroying 
them. Having opened the matter to Tyrconneil, the lat- 
ter was opposed to the project as rash, but Sarsfield in- 
sisting in his design, he yielded his assent. Having 
chosen a select body of four hundred horse and about 
two hundred dragoons, he prepared to carry out his dar- 
ing enterprize. As he was awaiting the night to cover 
his departure, he paid a hurried visit to his wife, who, 
with Eveleen and Colonel McCarthy, inhabited ' a neat 
cottage on the County Clare side of the city. He was 
accompanied by Major O’Donnell, and after spending 
some time in sweet conversation with those they so dear- 
ly loved, they took an affectionate leave of them, merely 
telling them that they were going out on a raid which 
would, most likely, detain them for a few days. 

William’s train consisted of 8 pieces of heavy can- 
non, 5 mortars, 153 waggon loads of ammunition, 12 
waggon loads of buscuit, 18 tin pontoons and 400 fine 
horses. 


128 


saksfield; oe. 


Under the fancied impression that they had nothing 
to fear, they were escorted from Dublin only by some 
musketeers and about 100 men of Villiers’ regiment, 
under Captain Poultney. 

Darkness had settled over the city as Sarsfield crossed 
the Thomond Bridge. 

As William’s scouts and videttes were thrown out for 
several miles, it was necessary to use the greatest secrecy 
and caution, in order not to alarm them. Guided by his 
faithful Kapparee scouts, who knew every pass and by- 
way for miles around, he soon gained the open country, 
and, having urged his command to greater speed, he 
crossed the bridge of Killaloe toward midnight, and 
passed into the County Tipperary. 

Tbeir movement was, however, seen by a loyal Wil- 
liam! te Protestant gentleman named Manus O'Brien, who 
saw them crossing at Killaloe. Believing that they were 
bent upon some design of great importance, he proceeded 
next morning, with his information, to William’s camp, 
where his story was treated by the officers as a dream or 
a good joke. 

Finally, however, through some acquaintance, O’Brien 
got access to William and his council, when the son of 
the late Marshal Duke of Schomberg gave it as his opin- 
ion, that a brigade of cavalry should be dispatched after 
Sarsfield; while William’s great favorite and country- 
man, the Earl of Portland, on the contrary, treated the 
notion of Sarsfield ’s venturing into Tipperary as a 
tale too improbable, or unworthy of belief, to merit 
any serious attention ! The informer, nevertheless, per- 
sisting that nothing was more tiue than what he had 
related, and that the effects of it would soon be evident, 
William directed that some officer of Schomberg’s fine 
regiment of Huguenot horse should go to learn if the 
Irish really were where it was stated : and a trusty Mare- 
chal des Logis, so commissioned, returning with a con- 
firmation of the correctness of O’Brien’s report — ^he 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAI^D. 129 

himself having actually seen them in the quarter referred 
to — Major-General Sir John Lanier, colonel of the regi- 
ment now the 1st Dragoon Guards, was ordered to march 
with 500 horse from the camp by nine o’clock that even- 
ing, the 21st, to meet the convoy. Those cavalry would 
have been in ample time to join and save it, had they 
started at the hour specified ; but, from some unexplain- 
ed cause, Lanier did not set out until very long after he 
should have done, about two o’clock in the morning 1 
Meantime, Sarsfield, while careful to keep himself 
and his troopers out of sight, had scouts watching for 
the convoy upon the road from Dublin ; and when it 
came within three miles of him, he sent three of his offi- 
cers, duly disguised, to fall in with it, as bearers of the 
doubly acceptable story for the escort af Yilliers’ regi- 
ment, that their colonel was then at only four miles’ dis- 
tance from them with 1,200 horse; and, moreover, that 
there was no reason to be apprehensive about effecting 
a safe passage to the camp before Limerick for anything 
the Irish could do, since they were not in a condition to 
oppose it. Under the infiuence of this flattering intel- 
ligence, the convoy took its station for the night beyond 
Cullen, near the little ruinous castle of Ballyneety, seven 
or eight miles from the nearest outposts to the rear of 
the besieging army. ‘‘They encamped,” says the best 
Williamite narrative, “ on a small piece of plain green 
ground, there being several earthen fences on one side, 
and the old castle on the other. If they had feared the 
least danger, it had been easie to draw the guns, and 
everything else, within the ruins of that old castle; 
aiid then it had been difficult for an army, much more 
a party, to have touched them — nay it was easie to 
place them and the carriages in such figure upon the 
very spot where they stood, that it had been certain 
death to have come nigh them.” With the omission of 
such and other precautions for their security, they gen- 

9 


130 


saesfield; or, 


erally laid themselves down to partake of kind nature’s 
sweet restorer, balmy sleep,” — the more needed after a 
long summer’s day march — until Sarsfield, descending 
from the mountains after it became dark, and with every 
information how matters were, from faithful guides who 
conducted him through by-paths for attacking with the 
best effect, was at his business about three in the morn- 
ing. Of the military escort, waggoners, or country peo- 
ple, in the necessarily undis criminating dash, gash, and 
smash of such a nocturnal onslaught as that of the Irish, 
about 60 were unfortunately doomed to experience how 
‘‘ short the path that leads from sleep to death,” and the 
rest were but too glad to escape. The whole of the siege 
artillery, ammunition, tin boats and provisions, were 
captured, and, being heaped together, were destroyed or 
blown up with gunpowder, making a vast light and 
noise in the air through the country for fifteen miles 
round! Sarsfield then, bringing with him the 100 
horses of Yilliers’ regiment, which were found har- 
nessed for service, with pistols at the saddle-bow, and 
the 400 draught- horses, returned in safety and triumph 
to Limerick. The Williamite cavalry, who were only 
about three miles from him when the astonishing blaze 
and roar of the explosion took place, sought “ to make 
up for lost time ” by intercepting him in the direction 
that he bad previously crossed the Shannon; but he dis- 
appointed them, by re-crossing it in a different quarter, 
or at Banaghei. 

This surprise of the Orange convoy, achieved with 
such remarkable good fortune, since what might have 
been the fatal information given by O’Brien was count- 
eracted by the lucky delay of Lanier, filled the defenders 
of Limerick with the utmost exultation, and a propor- 
tionate resolution lor ‘‘ no surrender,” — the Governor, 
Boisselau, consequently causing feux de joie to be kin- 
dled through the town, and the enemy to be treated to 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 131 

an increased cannonade. The besiegers were no less 
chagiined, and might well be so, since the delay in car- 
rying on close operations against the town, occasioned 
by the loss of such large supplies for attacking it, was 
productive of results as conducive as the obstinacy of 
the defence to the final raising of the siege. A contem- 
porary English Williamite of the deepest dye, Oldmixon, 
commenting on the mismanagement of which Sarsfield 
profited on this occasion, no less admits how just was 
the celebrity thereby acquired. “ It is,” he writes, “ very 
plain, due care was not taken of securing the train, not- 
withstanding the information given by O’Brien; and too 
much depended upon it, to risk anything, if it could 
have been prevented. This was not more inglorious to 
the English than it was glorious to Sarsfield, who got 
more honor, and did his master more service, by that 
enterprise, than all the other Irish or French generals 
did him in the course of the war.” For which, in addi- 
tion to his other eminent deserts, as an equally brave 
and loyal cavalier, Sarsfield was subsequently ennobled 
by King James, as Earl of Lucan, Yiscount of Tully, and 
Baron of Eosberry. 

Though difi* rent versions of this noble feat of Sarsfield 
are given by different writers, they all agree in the main 
facts. Banim, and several other writers, with all the license 
accorded to novelists and poets, give that famous Rap- 
paree. Galloping O’ Hogan, the credit of conveying the 
information to Sarsfield and guiding him on his route. 
History compels us to give credit to the French desert- 
ers for the important information that William’s train 
was on the way. 

John Cornelius O’Callaghan, in a late work published 
by him from French documents brought to light, con- 
firms the latter opinion. I give Mr. O’Callaghan’s account 
of the surprise by Sarsfield of William’s artillery as be- 
ing, apparently, the most correct one. At the same time 


132 


saksfield; oe, 

I cannot help quoting a part of Dr. Joyce’s excellent 
poem entitled 

SARSFIELD'S RIDE. 

O’Hoffan is down In f,he valievs, a watch, on the tracife of the foe, 

Johnnre Moran from Brosna Is marcoiiag, that ills men De in 
time for a tlow. 

All day from the bright blooming heath ex the tall lord of Lacan 
Joofes down ‘ 

On the roadSj where the train of Batch Billy on its siow march 
of danger is bowne. 

The red sunset died in the heavens ; night fell over mountain 
and shore; 

The moon shed her li^ht on the valleys, and the stars glim- 
mered brigntly once more; 

Then Sarsfield sprary up Irom the heather, for a horse tramp 
he heard oh the waste; 

*T was U’ Bogan, the lolach mountain sweeping, like a spectre 
of n ght, in his haste! 

“ Lord Lucan, they’ve camped in the forest that skirts Bally- 
reety’s giray tower, 

I’ve foundi out the path to fall on them and slay in the dread 
midnight hour; 

They ha ve powder, pontoons and great cannons— Dhar Dhial 
but their lon«i tubes a^e bright! 

They ha'^e treasure go l^or for the taking, and their watchword 
is ‘ Sarsheld ’ to-night! ” 

The st?r of the midnight was shining when the gallant dra- 
goons got the word ; 

Each sprang wl&h one bound to his saddle, and looked to Ms 
S. jstcls and sword; 

Axd away down Comaiita’s deep valleys the guide and bold 
SarsfieJd are gone, 

While the long stream of helmets behind them in the cold 
moonlight glimmered and snone. 

They staid not for loud brawling river, they looked not for 
togher or path, 

They tore up the Jcng street of Cullen with the speed of the 
storm in its wrath ; 

When on old Ballyneety they thundered, the sentinel’s chal- 
lenge rang clear— 

“Ho! Sarsfieid’s the word,” cried Lord Lusan, “and you’ll 
soon find that Sarsfieid is here ! ” 

He clove through the sentinel’s basnet, he rushed by the side 
of the glen, 

And down on the enercy’s convoy, where they stood to their 
cannons 1 ice men; 

His troopers, with pistol and sabre, through the camp like a 
whirlwind they tore, 

Wish a crash and a loud- ringing wax-cry, and a plashing and 
stamping in gore ! 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 133 


The redi-coa^ed convoy they’ve sabred, Dutch BiU’s mighty 
g«me they ha<?e ta’en, 

And they jaugh as thby iook on their capture, for they’ll ne’er 
see such'wonCe'rs apam. 

Those guns, with one loud-ioarlng volley, might batter a strong 
nlDunta-in down — 

Wirmsthru tor \ ts gallant defenders if they e’er came to Llm- 
ertck town ! 

They filled them and rammed them with powder, they turned 
down their mouths on the cay, 

The dry casiES toe 5^ piled all around them, the baggage above 
did they lay : 

A mine train they laid to the powder, afar to the greenwood 
out throwzA— 

“Now giveit the match! ” cnel Lord Lucan, “and an earth- 
quake we’li have of our o^^m! ” 

O’Hcgan the quick fuse he lighted— it whizzed— then a flash 
and a glare 

Of broao binding brightness infernal burst out In the calm 
midnight air; 

A hoarse crash of thunder volcanic roared up to the bright 
stars on high, 

And the splinttrs of guns and of baggage showered flaming 
around through the sky! 

The firm earth it rocked and it trembled, the camp showed its 
red pools of gore. 

And old Ballyneeity’s gray castle came down wltn a crash and 
a roar ; 

The fierce sound o’er highland and lowland rolled on like the 
dread earthquake’s tramp. 

And it wakened Dulf;ch Bill from his slumbers and gay dreams 
that night in his camp ! 

Lord Lucan (d ashed back o’er the Shannon ere the bright star 
of morning arose. 

With his men nhrough the Noith Gate he clattered, unhurt 
and unseen by ins foes : 

Johnme Moran rushed down from ComaiJta— not a foe was 
alive for his blade. 

But his men searched the black gory ruin, and the de’il’sia tU© 
spoil that they made I 


134 


saksfield; ok, 


CHAPTER X 

Siege of Limericlc Continued^ Sarsfteld goes to Galway to 
Influenee Lausan and Tyrconnell to send back the Troops to 
Limerick — The City Assaulted by the English— William 
Wounded — The Governor Counsels Surrender— Sarsfleld’ s 
Bold Stand— The Final Assault— Desperate Heroism of 
Men and Women — The Victory, 

*• Backward and forward the Irish fough"!;, 

Aiid one cry arose from the heal and sick; 

Above the din of aims rose that cry— 

We’ll die for God and Limerick.” 

When the breach was open laid, bold they mom ted to the 
attack ; 

Four times the assault was made— four times were they beaten 
back. 

Many a gallant Saxon fell, in the desperate melee there; 

Sped their spirits ill or well— know I not, or do I care; 

Redder grew the gory way— in blood our footsteps sank, 

And the cry of Limerick ! echoed fierce from rank to rank ; 
Loud rose Sarsfleld’s charge, and bloody was his sword ! 
Huzza! Limeiick is ours— how they fiy— the Saxon horde I 

Saesfield’s dashing exploit not only raised the hopes 
and spirit of the besieged, but left him without a rival 
in the affections of the soldiers. He became the idol, the 
Bayard of the army. Known before as a dashing, fearless 
leader of dragoons, who watched the enemy for a chance 
to strike them, and who then swept on them with irre- 
sistible fury, he all at once rose in the estimation of 
both officers and men. The French officers always 
looked upon him with jealousy ; they could not under- 
stand his irregular mode of warfare. Everything, in 
their estimation, should be done according to established 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 136 

military rules and regulations, not taking into account 
the fact that the Irish army had all the advantage on its 
side in a desultory warfare. In the first place, they were 
not as well disciplined or armed as the English army, 
and had often to make up by raids and surprises what 
they were unable to accomplish in general engagements. 
In the second place, they knew the country thoroughly, 
had friends in every quarter, and large bodies of daring 
Rapparees to aid them in harassing the enemy, while 
the English were in a country they knew little about, 
among enemies who were watchful for a chance to cut 
them off, and without provisions, except their regular 
supplies, because, in their cruelty, they destroyed the 
crops on their march. 

The fame of Sarsfield’s gallant exploit, and the suc- 
cessful defence of Athlone, soon reached the French 
Court and confounded the French officers, who vilified 
the Irish soldiers in order to cover their own shameful 
desertion. To Lausan, who had retreated to Galway 
with his French auxiliaries, the gallant defence of 
Limerick and Athlone, and Sarsfield’s destruction of 
William’s guns and convoy, were sources of the greatest 
chagrin. He had abandoned Limerick, asserting that it 
could be taken with roasted apples, and had so repre- 
sented things at the Court of France, with the additional 
statement that the obstinate Irish remained, to fly at the 
first shot, or be butchered like so many rats. The 
result so completely gave the lie to all these statements, 
that, subsequently, on his return to France, it was only 
through the Queen’s interference that he was saved from 
the Bastile. 

The stain of cowardice, which Lausan, in order to 
cover his own transactions, attached to the Irish, was 
more than obliterated by Sarsfield’s zeal in defending 
Limerick, and by his daring raid. Wallace was never 
more popular among the Scots, Arminius among the 
Germans, or Washington among the Americans, than 


136 


baesfield; or, 


Sarsfield had become among the Irish. Ko man was 
ever purer in his patriotism, or more devoted to his 
king and religion. Brave, unsuspecting, and confiding, 
he was often used by cunning, intriguing traitors, to for- 
ward their interests and base purposes. Foremost among 
these was Henry Luttrel, the ancestor of the Carhamp- 
ton family, who, while professing himself the beloved 
friend of Sarsfield, was ever watching an opportunicy to 
betray the Irish cause and the Irish army into the hands 
of William. He, too, was the cause of much of the dis- 
sension between the Irish officers and Tyrconnell, backed 
by the French. He hoped that, if Tyrconnell was dis- 
honored and Sarsfield raised to the chief command of 
the army, that he could thereby forward his private in- 
terests ; if not, he could fall back upon his base design 
of betrayal. 

During the lull that followed in the siege, after the 
blowing up of William’s artillery, Sarsfield, accompanied 
by Major O’Donnell, Henry Luttrel, and a small escort, 
rode off, post haste, to Galway, to entreat Lausan and Tyr- 
connell to come to the aid of the besieged city. Another 
stormy scene ensued. Sarsfield was backed up by a 
strong party of the officers of the garrison, while Lau- 
san’s resolve to quit the country with the French troops 
was supported by Tyrconnell and most of the French 
officers. Lausan represented that they were leaving at 
the express command of King James, from whom he had 
a letter absolving them from their allegiance, and in- 
structing them to compound with the enemy as best 
they could. To which Sarsfield replied that the letter 
was obtained on false pretences, in order to dispirit the 
Irish, so as to cover their own cowardly desertion of 
Limerick. 

Tyrconnell replied that he did not see the possibility of 
holding Limerick, and that he thought it advisable not 
to sacrifice the French troops. 

“ My Lord Tyrconnell,” replied Sarsfield, “ this was 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 137 

General Lausan’s opinion when he said that the city 
could be taken with roasted apples. William has al- 
ready made desperate efforts to take it, and has been re- 
pulsed by Irish valor. I tell you, my Lord, and you, 
Count Lausan, that William will not take Limerick, and 
will ye not cut a pretty figure at the French Court, when 
news reaches it of William’s defeat. I now ask ye to re- 
store to us the troops, or, at least, the artillery and sup- 
plies which you took from us in our need. If not, my 
Lords, I, too, will send my agent to France to show up 
your conduct in its proper light.” 

The threats of Sarsfield had its weight with Lausan 
and Tyrconnell, and they promised to immediately send 
back the artillery, with some squadrons of troops to 
Limerick. 

Sarsfield returned to Limerick with all despatch, but 
the promised assistance did not arrive until after Wil- 
liam had raised the siege. 

During the short cessation of hostilities that followed 
the destruction of William’s convoy, the Irish were 
busy strengthening their works and fortifications, and 
also securing the passes along the Shannon. 

The women, with a heroism never excelled, aided the 
men in their labors, and attended the sick and wounded, 
so that no details need be drawn from the ranks to 
attend the hospitals. In this patriotic labor of love there 
were none more sacrificing or useful than Lady Sarsfield 
and Eveleen. While they ministered to the wants of the 
sick, it was pleasing to the loving heart of Lady Sars- 
field to hear the name and heroism of her brave husband 
the theme of every tongue ; nor was it less pleasing to 
Eveleen to find her young lover’s name associated with 
that of his beloved general as his ally in all his dashing, 
daring feats. Though they occupied the County of Clare 
side of the town, as being the safest, they daily passed 
over to the County Limerick side to minister to the 


138 


saesfield; oe, 


wants of the sick and wounded, and by their presence 
and brave cheering words, to encourage the defenders. 
Colonel McCarthy was not idle either. The old man felt 
at home in all the horror and turmoil of the siege. He 
moved from post to post, encouraging the defenders, and 
his council and great experience were of infinite service 
to the besieged. The old Colonel was often seen where 
the shot and shell fell the heaviest, and where the walls 
crumbled before the enemy’s guns, calmly directing the 
movements, and encouraging the men by his presence 
and cheering words. 

It was a fine sight to see the old soldier, with his gray 
hair floating down his shoulders — ^his calm, determined 
look, as with a veteran’s eye he swept the enemy’s lines 
and works. 

On one occasion, just as a shot had swept the lines, 
killing several men. Colonel McCarthy remained alone, 
his companions having all fallen. Soon afterward, Eve- 
leen, in her attendance on the wounded, came up, and 
hearing of the old man’s narrow escape, she remon- 
strated with him. 

“ My dear child,” he replied, “ do not be alarmed about 
me. 1 am but doing my duty as a soldier. If it should 
please Providence that I fall, hundreds of better men 
have met the same fate. Besides, how could an old sol- 
dier die better than doing a soldier’s duty!” 

“ Even so, father ! but think how desolate I would be 
after you.” 

“ I have thought of that, child ; I am getting old and 
helpless, and would soon be a poor protector, indeed ; 
but I leave you to those who have both the power and 
will to protect you, chiefly to one who would freely give 
his life for yours.” 

“Oh, father! don’t thus expose yourself. You can- 
not know how I would feel your loss.” 

“ I do well, child ; nevertheless, I shall do my duty, and 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 139 

leave the result to that God who watches over the fall of 
a sparrow. But come, child, this is no place for you.” 
He led Eveleen back through the lines — through brave 
men, who proudly stood by their guns ; through braver 
women, who cared for the wounded at d carried them to 
the hospital, while others brought the ammunition to the 
men, and took their places beside them on the works 
and in the trenches. The finest ladies of the city might 
be seen bringing drinks to the thirsty men, and binding 
up their wounds, while here and there the ever faithful 
priests, with their gray heads uncovered, and the cross 
held aloft in one hand, might be seen shriving the 
dying patriots. 

The siege of Limerick brought forth the love, the 
bravery, and the noble qualities of the Irish people. It 
left to history deeds of heroism, of self-sacrifice never 
surpassed. The defenders of Derry deserve praise for 
the unyielding manner they bore up against famine and 
sufferings, but those of Limerick excite our admiration 
for their generous sacrifices, bravery, and patriotism. 
Many of the sufferers in Derry would willingly escape 
the sacrifice, had not the stern will of Walker and the 
blockade of the enemy rendered this impossible ; while, 
on the other hand, not one of the brave men and women 
who defended Limerick would leave it, though the way 
was open to them through the County Clare. One was 
a sacrifice of stern necessity — the other, of love and pat- 
riotism. Though death and desolation spread on every 
side in the doomed city, still not one heart faltered, not 
one cheek blanched with fear. A desperate resolve to 
do or die seemed to animate all, from General Sarsfield 
down to the lowest private or most timid maiden. 

Sarsfield’s return, with the news that Tyrconnell and 
Lausan were returning with succor, cheered the garri- 
son; and some successful assaults and sorties made by 
them on the enemy, gave them great confidence in the 
strength of their position. 


140 


sabsfield; oe, 


William was greatly dispirited, but not disheartened 
at the loss of his siege guns. The want of them greatly 
impeded his operations against the besieged, but, by the 
end of a week*, their loss was supplied by another train 
of heavy guns which reached him from Waterford. 
These he at once got into position, and opened with 
desperate effect upon the besiegtdo The latter replied 
as well as their weak artillery would allow, and made 
frequent and desperate sorties on William’s guns. In 
one attack, made on the 22d, the Irish issued at mid-day, 
with Sarsfield at their head, and attacked the enemy’s 
centre with such vigor that they forced them from their 
trenches. The Prince of Orange, who was present, tried 
to rally his men, and, being hard pressed, he retreated. 
Sarsfield, who spied him, pressed after him, and could 
his strong arm once get within reach of him, his career 
was cut short, and James would wear his crown again. 
The Prince, in his flight, fell, just as a cannon ball, aimed 
by an Irish gunner at him, struck a rock at his side, a 
splintered piece of which wounded him. Seeing the 
danger of their Prince, the English forces rallied, and 
for a moment the struggle became desperate. The 
Prince was borne to Ireton’s Tower, where he had his 
quarters ; and the Irish were finally repulsed, and had to 
fall back on their works. In this sortie, the Irisb lost 
one hundred soldiers and two officers, while the be- 
siegers lost three hundred soldiers and several officers. 

William had become impatient of delay. His affairs 
in England required his immediate attention, and he felt 
bitterly mortified that his splendid, well-appointed army 
should be held in check by a much inferior force of 
Irish troops, without artillery, without ammunition or 
the works of a strong fortification to protect them. The 
several attacks he had made on the city were repulsed, 
his pontoons were sunk in the river, and the flower of 
his army was hurled back with shame and disaster. 

William having got his heavy artillery into position, and 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 141 

having been repulsed in several assaults, resolved to take 
the place by storm. He therefore pressed the siege with 
terrible energy, and was met with desperate determina- 
tion on the part of the besieged. On the morning of 
the 24th his entire artillery was brought to bear on every 
vulnerable point within range, while he extended his 
hnes closer and closer to the walls. Six batteries in his 
front played upon the southern angle of the walls, 
against St. John’s Gate ; and the Black Battery, against 
the sallyport which led to the bridge, and against 
the bridge itself. This terrible artillery fire did not 
cease day nor night throwing shot and shell against 
the works and into the city. Yet the brave defenders 
were undismayed ; their generals were seen everywhere 
exposing themselves to the greatest danger, but still 
cheering on the men. Foremost among them might be 
distinguished the tall form of Sarsfield and the brave, 
energetic Duke of Berwick. To their daring, their per- 
severance and unbending resolution to hold out to the 
last man, was mainly due the successful defence of Lim- 
erick. The men faltered nor wavered not at the great- 
est dangers when they beheld their idolized General 
sharing in their toils and their dangers. 

On the morning of the 27th, all the outer works in 
front of St. John’s Gate were demolished, and a breach 
of one hundred and twenty-six feet wide was effected, 
which opened an entrance into the very heart of the city. 
William had pushed his trenches up to the very breach; 
the Irish fort on King’s Island was dismantled, and its 
guns removed to defend the breach. The wall along the 
whole front was rendeied untenable to the musketeers, 
and everything looked hopeless for the brave defenders. 

Such was the condition of affairs when William sent 
a second summons to the Governor, De Boisselau, to sur- 
render. 

De Boisselau was a brave man, but, firmly convinced 


142 


sarsfield; or, 


that further resistance was useless, he summoned a coun- 
cil of the Irish generals, and advised them to accept terms 
of accommodation. 

He was opposed by the unanimous voice of the offi- 
cers. The soldiers, hearing of it, cried out, “ No surren- 
der!^’ The citizens, men and women, crowded around 
the council hall, and raised a cry that they would perish 
to the very children among them before they would be 
subject to the barbarities of William’s soldiers. 

Boisselau, being overruled by the voice of the officers, 
soldiers and citizens, told them that their destruction 
was certain, but laid the blame upon their own obstina- 
cy, and then withdrew from the city. 

William was now fully roused; he vowed that he 
would not leave one stone standing upon another, and 
gave orders to prepare for a gf^neral assault. For this 
purpose he selected ten thousand of his chosen troops 
and formed them into supporting columns. Five hun- 
dred British grenadiers were to lead the assault, to be 
supported by the Dutch and Danish troops. This col- 
umn was to be sustained by the Huguenots, while the 
Brand enburgeis, English and Enniskilleners were to 
bring up the rear. 

The [rish infantry were divided into four columns, 
two drawn up on each side of the breach, while the mus- 
keteers lined the battered walls, and the guns of the 
Black Battery were filled to the throat with grape to 
rake the advancing columns. 

Near a square of the city a column was held in re- 
serve, while Brigadiers Talbot and Maxwell, with five 
hundred of the Guards posted behind the traverses of 
St. John’s Gate, held the right to prevent any surprise 
from that quarter. The windows and streets, too, were 
filled with citizens, men, women and children, armed 
with every available weapon, and fully resolved to share 
the fate of their fiiends, be it victory or death. 


THE LAST GEEAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 143 

With anxious hearts and straining eyes the besieged 
watched the movements of William’s troops as they 
formed into line, and many a brave heart quailed, not 
with fear, but with dismay, as the summer’s sun glistened 
upon the long extended lines of helmets, swords and 
muskets that glistened. in the burning sun of that 27th 
day of August. 

Fathers and mothers, children and lovers, took a part- 
ing embrace of one another, and as they brushed away 
the falling tear, each rushed to his post of duty to meet 
the advancing foe breast to breast, steel to steel. 

As soon as William’s offers of surrender were spurned, 
he gave orders to have all his artillery open on the city 
while the assaulting columns would be forming. From 
the fort near Ireton’s Tower came the boom of the first 
gun. Scarcely had its echo died away when it was 
answered by a deep-toned, startling roar of artillery all 
along the lines. It was the bloody opening of a bloody 
day. Shot and shell whistle and hurtle through the air, 
and either burst through the streets of the city, plough- 
ing lanes before them, or bury themselves in the Irish 
works. 

Down and through the city, and through the Irish 
columns, plunge and plow the hot balls from the English 
guns. Yet, the Irish coolly form into line, and sternly 
wait the advance of the English column. The Irish are 
silent, their guns are silent, and they are patiently waiting 
for the English troops to advance to give them an Irish 
reception : 

“ Theirs was hut to do s^nd die 

as brave men commanded by brave officers should do. 

Sarsfield and the Duke of Berwick moved from column 
to column to see that all was right, and to encourage 
the troops by their presence in the midst of danger. 

Had James but the pluck and daring of that boy- 
soldier, he would not be a crownless monarch long. “ It is 


144 


saesfield; or, 


our last great struggle,” exclaimed Sarsfield, to the 
troops; “let us show these English that we can fight. 
Let us hurl back these Dutch ard Danes that pollute 
our shores.” He was answered by a cheer — a cheer that 
meant death or victory. 

“ All I ask of you, brave men, is to follow your officers 
and me. By heavens, this city, pur wives and children 
shall never be polluted by such savages — b&tter death! ” 

“ Aye, better death a thousand times ! ” muttered his 
men, as they gritted their teeth and clutched their arms. 

The old town clock had tolled two. The bull-dogs of 
war along William’s lines had ceased their infernal yell, 
as the cloud of smoke that spread over the valley had 
rolled away, lifting up its dark curtain and revealing the 
advancing columns of the enemy. They present a gallant 
appearance on their march to death. Their drums beat, 
their fifes whistle aloud some lively air. They should be 
playing the death march. 

Sarsfield stands at the head of the column beside the 
breach. He speaks not a word, but he is grim, silent, 
and determined. He holds his men in check for a terri- 
ble blow, full and square in the face of the advancing 
enemy. Onward come the British Grenadiers, right 
through the pallisades, followed by the Dutch Guards. 
They reach the breach, sending a sheet of lead and flame 
before them. Sarsfield smiles and waves his sword. 
Out from the guns of the Black Battery flash a sheet of 
flame and the front of the advancing column withers 
before its deadly fire. From the walls, from the col- 
umns on both sides of the breach, volley after volley 
pour into the British Grenadiers and the Dutch Guards. 

William’s army staggers, wavers, and falls back. The 
rain of shell, of grape and cannister is continued, though 
not a word is spoken by either side — not a yell is heard, 
so intent are they on the business before them. Wil- 
liam’s advance halts, reels, wavers, and staggers like a 


• THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 145 

drunken man for a moment ; then comes the voices of 
their officers, clear, loud, and strong, over the roar of the 
battle. 

“ Steady, comrades ! Close up I Forward, in line / 
Chaege ! ” 

Gathering strength from the tone and words of com- 
mand, the English troops step over the bodies of their 
dead comrades, stand shoulder to shoulder, feel the elec- 
tricity of the battle, and gather new strength. The 
artillery on the heights roars and bellows. The shell 
and the cannister rain down on the advancing soldiers; 
and the ground is strewn with wounded and dying. 
They rally, and by one wild impulse sweep down upon 
the Irish, hurling back their front line, and mounting 
the breach after them. Their success was but moment- 
ary. They were determined to force the breach. 

The Irish were determined to hold it, and sent another 
storm of grape and lead through their ranks. The Irish 
Guards then closed in on them, and a fearful struggle 
ensued. It was the deadly hug and desperate struggle 
of infuriated foes — and men went down in the fierce 
tumult to be trampled to death by the advancing col- 
umns of friend or enemy, until almost every man of the 
British Grenadiers, and numbers of the brave defenders, 
lay dead in the breach. 

The Dutch Guards gallantly press on, under the eye 
of their Prince. Several times did they hurl back the 
defenders from the breach, but were as often repulsed. 
William supported them with regiment after regiment, 
until at length they forced back the Irish into the city, 
who disputed every inch of ground as they fell back. 

William now ordered two Brandenburg regiments to 
take the Black Battery by storm, while his remaining 
columns filled up the breach. Black Battery was cap- 
tured after another death struggle. William looked 
on from Crom weirs fort; he complacently viewed the 

10 


146 


saesfield; oe, 


capture of the Irish guns, the city on fire in severa 1 
quarters, the Irish driven from the parapets, and his 
strong columns forcing themselves over the dead and 
dying through the breach. 

The scene was a hellish one; but it only touched Wil- 
liam’s heart wich gladness, for he saw victory in it. It 
seemed,” says an eye-witness, ‘‘ as if the heavens were 
rent, and the smoke that arose from the town reached, 
in one continued cloud, to the top of a mountain six 
miles off. 

The Irish were giving way before such desperate odds ; 
the battery, the last hope of the defenders, was in pos- 
session of the Brandenburgers, who swarmed into it, in 
their fierce haste to turn the guns on the Irish. 

William smiled a grim smile, and, turning to his attend- 
ants, exclaimed : “Limerick is mine; James has not a 
foot to stand on ! ” 

Scarcely had he uttered the words, when he was star- 
tled by a rumbling roar that rose high above the din of 
the artillery and the shouts of the combatants. 

He looked towards the city, and where Black Battery 
stood arose a cloud of smoke and dust. A mine had 
been sprung beneath it, and a whole regiment was blown 
with it to atoms. 

Consternation seized the assailants as the mutilated 
bodies and limbs and arms of their friends were hurled 
among them. The quick eye of Sarsfield seized the 
advantage. He shouted to the Irish troops to follow 
him. The effect was electric. All, with one desperate 
effort, rallied around him. All caught the inspiration. 

Soldiers, citizens, women, and even children, dashed 
on the foe from all quarters. 

The ponderous sword of Sarsfield went crashing 
through helmets and skulls, the soldiers madly rushed 
on the enemy on all sides, the very women rushed into 
the breach to beat back the troops that came pouring 


THE LAST GKEAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 147 

through it, and actually checked their advance, while 
the Irish forces were driving back, or cutting to pieces 
those who had gained the city. Husbands, wives, 
brothers, and sisters, lovers, all fought side by side in 
the death struggle.^ Many a brave youug woman went 
down to breathe her last on the bosom of her dying 
lover. Aye, it was a brave death, much better than to 
suffer the insults of William’s unbridled troops. 

Many a wife breathed her last in the embrace of her 
dying husband — united in life — united in death. Brazen 
monuments should mark such heroism. Out from 
amidst the carnage rang the clear voice of Sarsfield, 
rallying and encouraging his men, while his sharp blade 
was dealing death on every side. Beside him fought 
O’Donnell, like a young tiger at bay ; while old Colonel 
McCarthy seemed to feel his youthful vigor restored. 
The tide was fast turning. The English, assailed on 
every side, were driven back step by step towards the 
breach, when to complete their discomfiture. Brigadier 
Talbot swept around and attacked them in the rear, 
routing them in utter confusion. Panic-stricken, they 
fied from the city as best they could, pursued by the 
victorious Irish up to their very camp. 

It was a heroic fight — a glorious victory — Limerick 
was saved ! 

“ Foiled by women’s hands before a battered wall I ’* 

The loss of William was about one thousand and 
sixty-two men, and ninety-seven officers killed. 

*“The Irish then ventured upon the breach again,” says 
Story, describing the rally of the s’arrison aga nst the Eoglish 
troops, “and from the walls anl every place so postered us 
upon the counterscarp, that after nigh three hours resisting, 
bullets, stones {broken bottles from the very WOMEN, wno boldly 
stood in the breach, and were NEARER TO OUR men than their 
OWN), and whatever ways could be thought on to dtstioy us» 
our ammunition being spent, it was judged safest to return to 
our trenches.” {Imp, Histdt. 1291. 


148 


saesfield; oRj 


An official correspondence of that period sets down 
William’s loss before Limerick and Atblone at five 
thousand in all. We have no correct report of the Irish 
loss ; but their casualties on the day of the final assault 
are set down at about five hundred, including several 
women, some of them the daughters of the first families 
of Limerick. King William’s historian mainly at- 
tributes the expulsion of the besiegers from the city to 
the manner in which the women inspired the men; thus 
confessing their repulse. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 149 


CHAPTER XL 

William* s Fetreat from Limerick — Escape of Eveleen — Fivals 
Meet — William goes to England— Tyrconnell goes to France 
— Disunion of the Council — Landing of the Duke of MarL 
borough— Capture of Cork and Kinsale — Ginkles Winter 
Campaign— Successful Resistance of the Irish — The Rap- 
parees. 

And my Idsh grot clotliliig, corn, colors, great store; 

Arms, forage, and provender— plunder, go leor. 

They mur ch’d the white manchets— they champed the hrown 
chine ; 

Fuilleluah ! for that day, how the natives did dine.” 

The day following this great struggle, William sent a 
herald to the Irish to request permission to bury his 
dead. The Irish commanders, fearing some treachery^ 
refused him permission to bury those within their lines, 
stating that they would bury them themselves. He then 
ordered his batteries to be dismounted, and gave march- 
ing orders to his army. 

His affairs in England at the time were of such a 
pressing ^nature, that his presence there was absolutely 
necessary, and he feared the bad effects the news of 
his defeat would have on his fortunes. 

A deputation of his Irish adherents, both clerical and 
military, awaited on hinl, and earnestly besought him 
not to leave them, and promised to make renewed exer- 
tions to raise men and money for his cause. 

William treated them coldly and haughtily, and, smart 
ing under his defeat, he sharply turned on them with the 
following caustic exclamation: “ If I had the handful of 
men who defend the place against you, and that you 
were aU within dt, I would take it in spite of you ! ” 


150 


saksfielb; ok. 


Perhaps no higher eulogium has ever been passed 
upon Iiish bravery, not even excepting King George’s 
imprecation, when his troops were whipped by the Irish 
Brigade in the service of France, and hearing the news, 
he exclaimed : ** Cursed be the laws that deprived me of 
such subjects ! ” 

Bt^fore retreating, William set fire to his camp and a 
large supply of stores and ammunition, which he was 
unable to remove. The fire communicated to his hos- 
pitals, in which he left about fi^teen hundred sick and 
wounded after him. Though the Irish made all possible 
efibrts to save the poor wretches thus heartlessly aban- 
doned, owing to the fact that the buildings were con- 
structed of wood and burned rapidly, they were unable 
to save but very few of the poor sufferers. Besides, 
King William left a train of grenades, bombs, and 
shells, which he was unable to carry with him, buried in 
the artillery ground, but with a train to blow them up. 
The explosion of this made the Irish fear other snares, 
and it deterred many from rendering assistance to save 
the hospital. William’s retreat was marked by all kinds 
of cold-blooded, beastly atrocities. The peasantry 
were murdered, theiiTands devastated, their homes given 
to the flames. Neither age nor sex was respected, and 
that rich tract of country from Limerick to Clonmel 
was left one scene of death and desolation. 

William returned to England, taking shipping at Dun- 
cannon, leaving the Count de Solmes, with Gi nkle as 
his second, in command of the army. 

On the very day that William retreated from Limerick 
the Duke of Tyrconnell arrived with a convoy of ammu- 
nition and twelve hundred dragoons. 

Like the Trojans, when the Greeks retired from Troy, 
the inhabitants, glad of their release, glad of their vic- 
tory, rushed through the deserted camp. 

“ The Irish, coop’d within their walls so long, 

Unbar their gates, and issue in a throng, 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 151 

Like swarooine: bees, and with dellgbt suivey 
Tde damp deserted, where the E-Dgllsh lay ; 

The qtjarteis of the sev’ral chiefs they show’d— 

Here William, here Ginkle, made abode; 

Here join’d the battles—” 

The rejoicing throughout the city knew no bounds. 
Sarsfield, whose daring spirit urged him to persist in 
defending the city, despite desertion and disheartening 
councils, was received wherever he made his appearance 
with applauding shouts. He had become the heau ideal 
of a hero and soldier to the citizens as well as to the sol- 
diers ; and those who before looked on him as rash and 
headstrong, now were the loudest in praise of his brav- 
ery and wisdom. 

Major O’Donnell, who fought by his side in the thickest 
of the conflict, shared with him this popular ovation of 
respect and esteem. The bravery of Colonel McCarthy, 
too, was remarkable for one of his years. He rushed 
from place to place during the fight, rallying those who 
fell back, and encouraging the resolute. In the dreadful 
hand to hand conflict that took place in the lanes and 
streets of the city, he was, at one time, borne down in 
the death struggle of a body of men, and ere he could 
regain his feet, a huge Dutch officer had lifted his sword 
to cut him through. 

Major O’Donnell, who was engaged in a hand to hand 
conflict near him, seeing his danger, rushed to his side 
and, with one fierce blow, cleft in twain the skull of his 
assailant, and then hastily lifted up his old friend. 

When the battle was fiercest, and the English had 
driven back the Irish towards the centre of the town, 
some of the Enniskillen dragoons had pressed in with 
tbe Dutch Guards. 

Lady Sarsfield and Eveleen were attending a wounded 
officer, who had dragged himself into one of the by- 
lanes. Their friends falling back in the street, the ene- 
my soon crowded into the lane. The frightened ladies 


152 


SARgriELD; OR, 

had no means of escape, as the lane was walled up be- 
hind them. 

The rude Dutch soldiers seized them, and were jeer- 
ingly dragging them along, while others shouted out to 
kill them, as they were worse than the men. It is hard 
to tell what the result would have been, had not an En- 
niskillen officer rushed among them and struck up their 
weapons. 

Oh ! Captain Saunders,” exclaimed Eveleen, ‘‘ save, 
save us from these rude men.” 

“Ha! you sue to me, do you?” exclaimed the officer. 
“ I wiU save you and this fair lady, too, for ye are darling 
prizes. Make way there, men, and take these ladies to 
the rear.” 

“ Never,” exclaimed Eveleen, looking him straight in 
the face ; “ it’s better die than fall into your hands, I 
prefer it.” 

“ Bear them to the rear, men, and take good care of 
them,” shouted the officer. 

As the soldiers, headed by Captain Saunders, dragged 
them out of the lane, Eveleen espied O’Donnell, and 
called out to him to save her. He heard the cry, and 
turning to his men, shouted, “ Comrades, follow me to 
rescue Lady Sarsfield ! ” 

He knew well that that name would act like magic on 
the men, and his appeal was answered by a cheer from 
brave hearts. Pike, and skein and sabre, flashed with 
maddening fury on the foe, while O’Donnell, 

“ Like a lion leaping on the fold,’* 

hewed his way through the enemy. Another, too, had 
heard that shout, and the steel of Sarsfield cleft many a 
skull in twain, as he cleared his way to the rescue of his 
wife. Down went the Dutch Guards before them, until 
they gained the side of the affiighted ladies. 

In vain did Captain Saunders rally his men. He had 
to abandon his captives ; but before he did so, O’Donnell 
had swept upon him. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 163 

“Hal” he exclaimed, “I know you, O’Donnell.” 

“ And I, too, know you, woman-stealer, base renegade 
to your king and country ! ” Their swords clashed lor a 
moment, but a blow from a clubbed musket sent Saund- 
ers stunned and reeling back among his men. “ Traitor, 
he has escaped this once ! ” exclaimed O’Donnell. 

“ We’ll meet again,” muttered the other, as the blood 
spurted from his mouth. 

The ladies were escorted to the rear, while the Irish 
pressed on their advantage. 

These were but a few of the many incidents that go 
to make up a battle ; particularly a battle where men 
clubbed and brained one another; where the jargon of 
different tongues mingled with the shouts of tho com- 
batants and the groans of the dying and wounded. 

Colonel McCarthy was overjoyed at the victory, em- 
braced Sarsfield, and wept like a child on his bosom. 
He also embraced young O’Donnell, and swore that he 
was the bravest soldier living, except Sarsfield. Lady 
Sarsfield wept with joy upon the bosom of her husband. 
She had witnessed his dangers and exploits, and now, 
when he was safe under his own roof, no wonder that 
her heart overfiowed with love and gratitude. As for 
Eveleen and O’Donnell, they sat side by side on a sofa, 
her hands pressed in his. He, thinking of the narrow 
escape she had, of a fate worse than death, and she 
forgetting all in the overflowing delight her heart felt at 
the presence and safety of her young lover. 

That night of victory was a proud night in many a 
home in Limerick. It was a sorrowful night in many a 
one, too : for few families but had to mourn the loss of a 
father or brother, husband, son, or lover. Few families 
but held silent vigil over the corpse of some noble sol- 
dier who had bravely fallen; or over some fair matron or 
maiden, whose innocent blood had baptized the cause of 
liberty. 


154 


sabsfield; or, 


But they did not sorrow like those without hope, for 
they felt that they had died in a sacred cause, and that 
the great sacrifice was a pure offering that even angels 
could not refuse. 

The proud father who said, when looking on the 
wounds of his dead son who fell fighting for his coun- 
try, “ I would not exchange him for any living son 
in Kome,’’ has left us a lesson of patriotism that should 
shame cowards and poltroons to become brave men and 
patriots. 

The noble defence of Limerick, and the flight of Wil- 
liam, had reached the court of France, and the Irish 
were extolled for their bravery ; besides, about the same 
time, Mountcashel and his brigade were winning laurels 
for France in Piedmont and Catalonia. The attempts ot 
Lausan to brand the Irish as cowards was now fully ex- 
ploded, and he trembled at the censure he was likely to 
meet with from Louis for withdrawing the French troops 
from Limerick, thus leaving the Irish to fight it out 
thems^^!lves. 

Tyrconnell having returned to Limerick, did all in his 
power to arrogate to himself a victory he had no hand in 
gaining. He had lost the confidence of the Irish army, 
and tried to prop up his declining influence by raising 
his friends to power. Sarsfield in his honest, outspoken 
indignation, did not conceal his contempt for the diplo- 
macy of the deputy. In this he was encouraged by the 
wily Liittrell, who had gained his friendship and confi- 
dence, and was fully resolved to use it for his own aggran- 
dizement. 

Whatever weakness or temporising he had displayed 
since the battle of the Boyne, or whatever his motives 
were, it must, in justice, be said of Tyrconnell, that he 
had heretofore proved himself a brave soldier, an able 
statesman, and an unswerving servant of the King. But 
now, whether his mind was weakened by age, or that he 


THE LAST GEEAT STKUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 155 

looked upon James’s cause as hopeless, it is certain that 
no one was more eager to compromise wich William 
than he was. He even went so far as to join Lausan in 
counselling the surrender of the city, and, when opposed 
by Sarsfield and the war party, he retired with the 
French to Galway. 

The result of the siege had so belied the statements 
made to Louis by Lausan and Tyrconnell, that the latter 
resolved on going to France to try and explain matters 
to the satisfaction of the King, and to urge on him to 
send troops and supplies to Ireland. 

He appointed a council of three lords-justices and six- 
teen senators to conduct the civil affairs of the nation 
in his absence, and appointed the Duke of Berwick com- 
mander-in-chief, with a council of officers to direct 
him. Some accounts state that Sarsfield was appointed 
second in command to the duke, though others state 
that he was not even placed in the council. He then 
left the city accompanied by De Boisselau, and being 
joined by Lausan, a*t Galway; they there embarked 
for France, on board the French fleet which carried to 
Brest the French corps. 

The departure of these three thousand French troops 
was a great loss to the Irish cause, for had they been added 
to the forces under the Duke of Berwick, he would be 
soon in a position to march against Ginkle, and to 
strengthen the garrison of Cork against the assault of 
the famous Duke of Marlborough. 

It is needless to follow Tyrconnell to France, but 
suffice it to say that he shifted all the blame on Lausan, 
who narrowly escaped being thrown into the Bastile. 

The Council appointed by Tyrconnell in his stead was 
composed of his friends. This gave great umbrage to 
the other party, and cavils and intrigues divided the 
Council and officers. 

The Luttrells and the other malcontents inflamed the 


156 


sarsfield; or, 


mind of Sarsfield by representing to bim the slur cast 
on him, to whom the defence of Limerick was due, by 
placing over him a boy, and that Tyrconnell would use all 
his influence to ruin him with the King. Their evil whis- 
perings had its effect, and Sarsfield, unfortunately, became 
as dissatisfied as any of them. The Council and leaders 
of the army split up into divided factions, and the Duke 
of Berwick was prevailed upon to send a deputation, 
cDnsisting of the Bishop of Cork, the two Luttrells, and 
Colonel Purcell, to France. He also sent by Colonel 
Maxwell some private instructions to prevent Henry 
Luttrell and Colonel Purcell from returning, which in- 
structions were, unfortunately, disregarded. 

Through the agency of Tyrconnell, the King promised 
to send an expedition to Ireland proportionate to the 
emergency. This news being brought back, had consid- 
erable effect in restoring harmony to the Council and in 
breaking up the cabal.* 

Sarsfield, however, was too much of a patriot to neg- 
lect his country .for any real or fancied slights. He vig- 
orously assisted Berwick in forwarding the military af- 
fairs of the nation. The defences of the city were re- 
paired, the garrisons along the frontiers and the posts 
along the Shannon were strengthened. The Irish army 
had only fifty barrels of powder within the city after the 
surrender, and scarcely double that complement in the 
whole country. The indecision of the enemy, after the 
withdrawal of the Prince of Orange, gave them time to 
strengthen their forts and fortifications, and some sup- 

♦Tbensme of Henry Luttrell is execrated even to-dasy in 
Ireland. He was an intriguing firebrand, and there is little 
doubt but he Kept ui^ secret correspondence with Till am and 
Baron GlDkle, and attempted to sorzenaer Galway to them. 

After the war he received, as the prJce of his treason h’s 
eldest brother’s estate anda pens^cn of 2,000 crowns annually 
from VTilliam. He was assassinated in Dublin in the > ear 1717, 
nor could it be ever discovered by whom. 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 167 

plies and military stores which soon ' after arrived from 
France placed them in a position to commence opera- 
tions anew. 

The Irish t6ok up a strong position, early in Septem- 
ber, at Banagher, in order to check and harass the ene- 
my, who now held the country extending from Clonmel 
to Enniskillen. 

The town of Birr, in the King’s County, about seven 
miles from the Irish encampment, was the most ad- 
vanced post of the enemy. 

On the 13th of September, the Duke of Berwick com- 
menced operations against it, but after several well sus- 
tained assaults on the castle, Douglas and Kirk having 
formed a junction, he was obliged to give up the siege 
and to withdraw behind the Shannon. 

The inaction of Baron Ginkle was owing to the fact 
that he daily expected large reinforcements from Eng- 
land, and the bitter lesson William had received at Lim- 
erick made him timid of resuming active operations 
before the arrival of the promised forces. 

His affairs in England having detained William there, 
he despatched the celebrated Duke of Marlborough, with 
a force of eight thousand infantry, six hundred marines 
and some ships of war, to carry on the war in Ireland. 

On the 21st of September he sailed up the harbor of 
Cork and effected a landing at Passage. Be was joined 
by the Duke of Wurtenberg and General Scravenmore 
with four thousand infantry and nine hundred cavalry. 

On the 23d this force appeared before Cork, which had 
no fortifications of any strength. The Governor, McEl- 
ligot, prepared for a vigorous defence, though he had no 
works or fortifications, and only a force of about five 
thousand men, who were on short rations and limited to 
five barrels of powder. The Duke of Berwick, who had 
advanced as far as Kilmallock to raise the siege, with 
eight thousand men, learning of the defenceless state of 
the city, sent word to the Governor to evacuate it. Col- 


168 


sabsfield; or, 


onel McElligot disregarded the order, and after a few 
days desperate resistance was compelled to surrender 
himself and his soldiers prisoners of war. They were 
treated with the greatest inhumanity by the victors, and 
hundreds of them died of want and suffering in crowded 
prisons. 

The Governor of Kins ale made a more spirited defence. 
Though it was defended by a force of only about fifteen 
hundred men, it held out for ten days, and then surren- 
dered on the most honorable terms, the troops being 
allowed to retire to Limerick with arms and baggage. 

All this time, Berwick remained unaccountably inac- 
tive at Kilmallock, leaving the impression that he was 
unwilling to appear against the Duke of Marlborough, 
who was his uncle. 

Sarsfield, with his usual impetuosity and energy, chafed 
at this inaction, urged on Berwick to attack Marl- 
borough in the rear, and thus compel him to raise the 
siege of Kinsale. This conduct of Berwick helped very 
much to widen the breach between him and Sarsfield. 
After the fall of Cork and Kinsale, Marlborough returned 
to England, leaving the command of the army to Baron 
Ginkle. 

After his departure Ginkle pressed the war in the 
south with great vigor. 

Scravenmore and Tettau penetrated as far as Mallow 
plundering and laying waste the country before them. 
But that much abused but patriotic band of men, the 
Rapparees, being joined by the peasantry, swept down 
upon them on all sides, and drove them with great 
slaughter towards Bandon, where they were fiercely as- 
sailed by Colonel O’Driscoll, and driven back to the 
main army. 

Baron Ginkle had now chief command of the army, 
virtually three provinces under his sway, while his fleet 
blockaded the coast from Kinsale eastward to Derry. 

His army lay extended through the centre of the 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAISD. 159 

Island, with his bases of operations at Cork, Eoscrea, 
Mullingar, and Enniskillen. At each of these points, he 
had about eight thousand men, with strong intermedi- 
ate connecting posts, while he himself established his 
headquarters at Kilkenny, holding a strong reserve in 
hand, to be directed against any point, as occasion 
should require. * 

William was so anxious to bring the war in Ireland to 
a conclusion that he instructed De Ginkle to carry on a 
winter campaign, and if possible to reduce Athlone, as 
this was the key to the Irish strongholds in Connaught. 
The fall of this important post would necessitate the 
evacuation of Limerick, or leave open the whole coun- 
try westward to Galway. 

James’s army was now partly confined to the Counties 
of Limerick, Clare and Kerry, with some posts extend- 
ing back to Galway. Their chief defences were along 
the Shannon, and to break through these was the object 
of Ginkle. 

With this object Douglas marched from Enniskillen 
against Sligo, but was forced to retire. The attacks on 
Lanesborough above, and on Banagher below Athlone, 
were equally unsuccessful. General Tettau was also un- 
fortunate in his attempted subjugation of Kerry, while 
Ginkle himself, in an attempt to retrieve Tettau’s fail- 
ure, fared as badly. 

* Story, William’s historian, erives De Ginkle’s re^lar fierce 
at 42 regiments of foot, 20 horse, and 5 dras^oons, ma^m*? a 
grar d total of 36,000 men, and about 12,000 miJiUa, with 39 pieces 
of heavy casnon, 2 field pieces, and six mortars. 

It is impossible to give an accurate account of the streBgth 
of James’s regular army at this time. MakiDg every allowance 
for detrac ion on one side, and exaggeration on the other, it 
could not exceed 25 000 men, with about a dozen pieces of ooor 
artillery. These were greatly aided by large bodies of Rap- 
parees, who lost no opportunity of harassing De Gmkle’s 
army, and cutting off detached bodies. 


160 


saesfield; ob, 

Their defeats were chiefly owing to the brave Eappa- 
rees, who, wherever tribute could be levied or a British 
detachment ambushed, were ever on the watch to make 
reprisals or exact revenge. Neither toil, nor danger, nor 
death seemed to deter them from their bloody purpose. 
Driven from their homes by the cruelties of the English 
army, they watched their opportunities for revenge. 
They knew the country thoroughly, and no position of 
the enemy was safe from them, and frequently in the 
dead of night, when the English lay encamped in fan- 
cied security, the Rapparees swept down upon them. In 
a moment their camps were in a blaze, and in their con- 
fusion and fright they were piked and sabred, while the 
Rapparees hastily fled with their rich booty. The dar- 
ing Rapparee freely gave his life for his country. He 
fought desperately, for he expected no mercy and sought 
none. He fought and suffered without a murmur. Nev- 
er did the Chouan of La Yendee, the patriots of the 
American Revolution, fight with more devotion and des- 
peration, and yet, English history tries to blacken their 
fame and brand them as freebooters. 

During the winter, the people, chiefly of Connaught, 
suffered fearful privations ; even the Irish garrisons were 
short of provisions, and Sarsfield sent a portion of the 
army to join the ranks of the Rapparees, and thus shift 
for themselves as best they could. Even several of the 
ofScers took commana of detached bodies of these hardy 
guerillas, in order to harass the English. 

Sarsfield himself joined them, in order to organize 
them into an effective force to check the advance of the 
enemy. 

Through the influence of the regular officers and sol- 
diers who had gone among them, they soon acquired a 
better organization. One body of them moved abound 
to the rear of the English army, and ravaged the country 
to the very walls of Dublin; while the other hung 


THE EAST GBEAT STBUGGLE FOB ZBELAKG. 161 

aroand the enemy’s encampments, interrupting their 
communications, destroying tbeir supplies and ammu- 
nition, and frequently killing large numbers of the 
enemy, Sarsfield was in command of the latter party, 
as its operations were the most important, and as he 
would be thus nearer the Irish lines, should his presence 
be required. 

Major O’Donnell commanded the other, and soon, by 
his daring exploits, became the idol of the Rapparees. 


11 


baesfield; ob^ 


CHAPTEK XII. 

Sarsjield Among the Fapparees— Their WrongSy their Bravery 
— Capture of 0* Donnell— Fate of the Rapparees — O' Don- 
neli's Sentence — Major Saunders* Cruelty — O'Donnell to he 
Executed — The Mysterious Friend— 0* Donnell Kills Major 
Saunders and Escapes, 

** O! never fear for Ireland, for sbe bas sogers still, 

For Rory’s boys are In the wood, and 8arstield’s on the bill; 
And never bad poor Ireland mote Ic^yai hearts than these— 
May God be kind ano good to them, the faithful Rapparees I 
The feariess Rapparees ! 

The jewel were yoa, Sarsfield, with your Irish Rapparees.” 

Sarsfielb with his bands of Eapparees closely watched 
the enemy’s movements, and fiercely hung upon their 
rear, or attacked them in detached parties. 

Encamped in the fastnesses of some mountain ranges, 
or nestling in some silent valleys, they patiently awaited 
the reports of their scouts, who often penetrated the 
English lines, under some pretext or another. The 
enemy could not make the shghtest move without 
their knowledge ; and they made short work of foraging 
parties and freebooters. 

Lying between the Shannon and Philipstown, in the 
King’s County, runs a steep range of hills, interspersed 
by several deep valleys. In one of these secluded re- 
treats were scattered a number of hamlets, or mud 
huts. A stranger would take them for the humble 
dwellings of the peasantry. 

Everything appeared quiet and silent about these 
huts, almost as silent as if they were deserted. A con- 
tinuous chain of huts seemed to extend for miles from 


THE LAST GEBAT STBUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 163 

the group. Gloomy and silent as these appeared to be, 
they were full of life within — full of desperate men, who 
but watched for a signal from the outposts to grasp 
their arms and to sweep down upon the foe like an eagle 
upon his prey. 

It was a cold November evening when a group of men 
were collected around a blazing peat fire in the largest 
hut of the group. Some had the look and air of gentle- 
men, others appeared to be rough deteimined fellows. 
They appeared to be holding a kind of council, and 
spoke earnestly and impressively. 

They all turned to a man who sat thoughtfully, with 
his head resting on his hand. By the gloomy light of 
the peat fire one could see that he was a man of large 
frame and commanding appearance. This man arose 
from his seat and walked up and down the clay fioor — 
He above tbe rest 

In shape andl gesture proudly eminent. 

Stood like a tower.” 

The group eagerly watched his movements as if the 
result of their deliberation rested upon his nod. 

“ Upon my troth, General,’^ said one of the party to 
the tall man, who strode up and down the fioor, “ I’m 
mighty anxious to do something grand. Since Anthony 
Fada routed these English hounds out of Nenagh and 
garrisoned it himself I find I’m nobody, and shure it’s the 
Lord that’s sent these chaps in our way. If you haven’t 
the mite of an objection, myself and the boys will go 
back after them.” 

The tall man stopped, and addressing the speaker said : 

I tell you, Rory O’Connor, there is something more in 
this than a mere raid. The spy says that they moved 
towards Banagher ; their intention must be to try and 
cross the Shannon. I must go with ye myself.” 

‘^Ceadmille General Sarstield; musha, but it 

would be pleasanter for many a poor Saxon gossoon that 
you did not take that resolution.” 


164 


saesfield; oe, 


‘‘By my faith, we’ll have a jolly time of it,” exclaimed 
a tall, lank Rapparee, who was called the Slasher. 

“They are billeted at Ballyboy, General ; a full regi- 
ment of them, under a Colonel Bristow; and they are 
scouring the County all round, and have collected in 
large stores of pi ovisions.” 

“We must sti ike them, O’Connor, fast and sure, before 
aid can reach them from Kilcormack Castle. Can you 
have your men ready for to-morrow night ? ” 

“ Aye, General, every man of them ! ” 

“ And you, galloping Hogan?” 

“ Will answer the roll call. General.” 

“ And the White Sergeant, and O’Higgins ? ” 

“ All ready. General ! ” was the response from each of 
these famous Rapparee chiefs. 

“ All right ! we will march to-morrow night ; in the 
meantime we’ll lay out oiu’ plan of action. 1 forgot to 
tell ye, boys, I have news from Limerick. A French 
force, with arms and ammunition, is to sail next month to 
our relief.” 

“ Good, good ! ” muttered the group. “ God send them 
soon. We’ll have another Limerick and Enn-go-bragh I ” 
“ Also,” continued Sarsfield, “ I must tell ye that our 
brave Rapparees are not idle elsewhere. The Gaultee 
boys, under Shawn O’Mahony, have cut off several de- 
tached parties around Clonmel and Cashel, while the 
Clare and Kerry boys are compelling William’s babes of 
grace to keep within doors this cold weather.” 

“God bless them — God bless them, and strengthen 
their arms ! ” muttered the group, who would like to 
give vent to their feelings in hearty cheers, only that 
prudence made them silent. 

On the following night bodies of men might be seen 
moving over the hills and concentrating in the valley. 
Having received their commands, they silently moved 
away, and ere morning dawned, they had concealed 


THE LAST HKEAT STRUGGLE FOE IRELAND. 105 

themselves in the hedges, the woods, and hays around 
Ballyboy. From the vigilance with which the place 
was guarded, they did not think it prudent to leave 
their hiding until the second night following ; but, in 
the meantime, numbers had privately got into the town. 
All ot a sudden, in the dead of night, the town was fired 
in several places, and, aided by the glaring light of the 
burning houses, the Kapparees swept down upon the 
affrighted soldiers. 

Short and bloody was the struggle, and soon the two 
companies of Grenadiers that guarded the town were 
cut to pieces. 

The Kapparees rifled the town, and carried off all the 
provisions and booty that had been collected by the 
English. 

Having sent their booty to camp, and being joined by 
a strong body under Fada O’Carroll, they attacked 
Philipstown. 

Here they met with a desperate resistance, and after 
some obstinate fighting, they were repulsed, and re- 
treatedc Being rallied by Sarsfield, O’Connor, and the 
other chiefs, they turned upon their pursuers, drove 
them back into the town, and again through it, killing 
one hundred and twenty dragoons. They then set fire 
to the place, having first carried away all the provisions, 
horses, arms, and ammunition of the enemy. 

There was good eating and drinking, and cheer galore 
in the Rapparee camp ^at night, and many a toast was 
drank to the health of brave Sarsfield, who had made 
many a dragoon bite the dust in the fray. Such were 
the brave Kapparees — the daiing Kapparees — who had 
become the terror of Ginkle’s army, and who com- 
pelled that General to abandon his winter campaign. 

The column of Rapparrees, under Major O’Donnell, 
after sweeping through Leinster, and harassing the 
English posts in Kilkenny, Carlow, and Kildare, were 


166 


sarsfielb; or, 


soon followed up by overwhelming forces of cavalry 
sent after them by Ginkle. 

Following their usual tactics of guerilla warfare, they 
overpowered several detached bodies of troops sent in 
pursuit of them. They were oftentimes hard pressed, 
and had to take to the mountains or the fastnesses of 
bogs. 

O’Donnell, with a small force, was one day out forag- 
ing near Castle Comer, in the County Kilkenny. They 
had just passed through a deep valley, with the intention 
of deploying out on the main road, when suddenly they 
were confronted by a troop of dragoons, who lay in wait 
for them. 

The commanding officer called upon them to surren- 
der; but the Rapparees knew their fate too well, if cap- 
tured, so they resolved to sell their lives as dearly as 
possible. The contest was desperate. Though the odds 
were against the Kapparees five to one, the result seemed 
doubtful for some time. Major O’Donnell, recognizing 
in the officer commanding the dragoons, his bitter ene- 
my, Major Saunders, knew he had no mercy to get at 
his hands. 

He fought like a young lion, cutting and slashing on 
all sides with the vigor of desperation. Many a dragoon 
went down before him, and he had just reached Saund- 
ers, when his horse was shot under him, and both rolled 
to the earth. Quick as lightning he was on his feet ; but 
his comrades, discouraged at his fall, gave way, and were 
flying, pursued by the relentless dragoons. 

O’Donnell, having gained his feet, rushed at Saunders, 
but a blow from the end of a carbine sent him reeling 
to the earth, and he was immediately secured and dis- 
armed. 

“ Ha, O’Donnell ! I told you that we’d meet again,” 
sneered Major Saunders. 

“ So we have, but you did not give me a chance to 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIO). 167 

cross swoids with you ; you found the rear safer than 
the front!” 

Saunders winced at such a home thrust, for his cow- 
ardice was well known to his men. 

‘‘Oh, there was no need. I would not pollute my 
sword with the blood of a poor Eapparee. Officers do 
not touch such worthless game ! ” 

“ By heavens I you are a coward and a poltroon ! You 
insult these brave fellows around you, who fought 
like men. As for your insult to me, I hope we’ll meet 
face to face, where 1 can revenge it 1” 

“ Indeed! you forget, sir, that you are a Eapparee, and 
their fate, when captured, is death sure and certain !” 

“ You forget, sir, that I hold King James’ commis- 
sion !” 

“ I forget no such thing ; but you forfeit the protection 
that commission entitles you to when you join lawless, 
pillaging bands, and you will get none, either !” 

O’Donnell said nothing. He would not sue for mercy ; 
he would calmly meet death. His hands were tied be- 
hind his back, and he was marched to the front, while 
the other prisoners were placed under a guard in the 
rear. 

Major Saunders whispered something to his adjutant, 
who retired to the rear. In a moment O’Donnell heard 
groans proceeding from behind, and, turning round he 
saw each of his fellow-prisoners quivering on the road, 
with the guards at their sides, wiping the blood from 
their swords. He turned away from the ghastly sight 
with a shudder. 

“Coward! murderer!” he exclaimed to Major Saun- 
ders. “ It is vain to ask mercy from such a brute. I 
suppose it’s my time next ?” 

“ Not so fast, young man; don’t be in such a hurry; 
your turn will come in good time, but I want to have 
some talk with you first ; besides, I think hanging will 
be a more genteel death for you.” 


168 


saesfield; ob, 


O’Donnell was silent, and quietly took his place in the 
centre of the dragoons. 

As they rode along, his thoughts reverted to his young 
betrothed. Would she ever learn his fate, or how firmly 
he died ? 

Though a soldier should always be prepared for death, 
and though he could calmly look it in the face on the 
battle-field, still, to be dragged to a dungeon, to be 
mocked and scorned by your enemy, to be tortured and 
tantalized, and to feel yourself unable to retaliate, is a 
kind of slow, torturing death, that makes the heart of 
the bravest man quail within him. 

Such was O’Donnell’s position. He had met death 
face to face a hundred times, but he never felt its bitter- 
ness until now. The thought that he was in the power 
of Saunders, his bitter rival and enemy ; the thought 
that he would leave Eveleen exposed to the persecutions 
of such a man — oh ! it was too much to bear ; yet, he 
was resolved that his cruel enemy should not triumph 
over him, even in death. Though Saunders addressed 
him several times in a mocking tone, he did not deign 
to answer him, which very much annoyed the former. 

“ So,” said Saunders, “ you will not speak, aye. Well, 
I think we’ll force you to sue for mercy on your bended 
knees, before longo” 

O’Donnell only answered with a haughty smile, as 
much as to say, “I defy you!” What brought you 
among the cut-throat Kapparees ? Aye, I gave you credit 
for being a soldier ; but you proved to be a worthless 
house-burner, sneak, and plunderer,” exclaimed Saund- 
ers, as he rode beside O’Donnell. 

“ The taunt well becomes you,” replied his prisoner. 
“ Only that I am manacled, I’d make you swallow your 
words, traitor and perjurer that you are!” 

“Dog, dare you call me so!” exclaimed the other, 
striking him with his hand across the face. 

The blood spurted from O’Donnell’s mouth, as he ex- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 

claimed, “ Traitor, perjurer, and coward, I call you, and 
none other would strike a manacled prisoner. Unbind 
my hands, give me my sword, and I’ll prove what 1 say 
upon your worthless carcass ! ” 

“ Indeed ! ” said the other, “ thank God that you are 
let live so long ; hut to-morrow’s sun will rise upon your 
corpse dangling from a tree.” 

O’Donnell, finding it useless to reply, and suffering 
from the effects of the blow, remained silent. 

The soldiers, cruel and hardened as they were, ex- 
changed looks of disgust at the cowardly act; even one 
of Saunders’ orderlies pulled out a handkerchief and 
wiped the blood from the prisoner’s mouth. 

“ What the deuse are you doing, Simpson?” shouted 
his officer; “ do you want to get a cut upon yotir own 
face ? ” 

“ No, Major, no ! shure, and if you gave me a cut aself, 
it would only be keeping company wid the other,” re- 
plied Simpson, with a grin. 

None of your insolence, sir ; fall into your place ; take 
care of your own neck, you fool ! ” was the reply. 

After a few hours’ ride, they came in view of a large 
stone farm-house, in which Saunders had established his 
headquarters. The out-offices were occupied by the 
men, while the major and staff made themselves com- 
fortable in the dwelling house. O’Donnell was hurried 
through a file of soldiers and thrust into a room on the 
ground fioor. As soon as the door closed on him he 
cast his eyes about to see if there was any chance of 
escape. 

The room was small, and the only window it possessed 
was walled up to within a few inches of the top, throwing 
in a straggling ray of light upon the gloomy prison. 

No chance of escape presented itself, even if he were 
free to avail himself of it ; but, manacled as he was, all 
hope was shut out from him. He threw himself upon a 


170 


sarsfield; or, 


miserable bed in the corner of the room and listened. 
He could hear the measured tramp of the sentry outside 
the door; he could hear the shouts and laughter that 
echoed from an adjoining room, and the loud voice of 
Saunders as he recounted, to his officers, his daring ex- 
ploits with the Rapparees. 

Alone with his own thoughts, his mind reverted to 
the events of his past life, to his betrothed wife, and to 
the certain death that awaited him. So occupied was he 
with these reflections, that he did not perceive the door 
opening, nor the entrance of another person. 

“ Don’t speak a word I ” whispered a voice, near him. 

“ Who are you? or what ” 

“ Hush, silence for your life ! ” muttered the other. 
O’Donnell raised his eyes, and saw before him the 
soldier who wiped the blood from his face. 

Would you wish to escape? ” whispered the soldier. 

My God ! how can you ask me ? ” 

“ You can, then, on one condition.” 

“Name it.” 

“ That you kill Major Saunders ! ” 

“ I kill Major Saunders, surrounded as he is by his 
officers and men, and I manacled I ” 

“ Listen to me, and if you obey, you are a free man in 
half an hour; if not, you will swing from the limb of a 
tree in two hours time, for such are his orders. He is 
going to Kilkenny to report his victory at headquarters^ 
and he intends coming in here before he goes, for the 
purpose of getting all the information he can from you. 
He will offer you your pardon on condition that you 
tell him all you know of Sarsfield’s plans and designs; 
also about the Rapparees. Having got this from you, he 
wdll order you to be hung, while he will turn his valuable 
information into a Colonelcy, at least. I am to ride with 
him as his orderly; now, when he comes in here you 
must kill him, and hastily put on his cloak and cap, and 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 171 

pass out, and I’ll have the two horses ready, and we can 
get far away before the act will be discovered, as the 
sentry at the door is my cousin, and is a party to the 
plot.” 

“But I have no weapon, and my hands are tied.” 

“ Will you do it if you get the means ? ” 

O’Donnell hesitated for a moment, for he recoiled from 
taking even the life of his bitter enemy in such a way ; 
but the love of life, of liberty, prevailed, and he whis- 
pered, “ I will ; but give me the chance ! ” 

In a moment the orderly drew a sharp dagger from 
under his coat and cut the cords that bound his hands 
and corroded into his flesh. 

“ There, take this, pretend your hands are still tied, 
and when he is speaking to you strike this home to his 
heart, then pass out. I’ll be waiting for you.” 

“ And why do you wish his death ? ” 

“Because he is a brute. Do you see that scar?” 
poin ting to one on his cheek. “ He gave me that with 
a cut of his sword. Besides, Major O’Donnell, I heard 
him boast at the table about Eveleen McCarthy, and 
how, when he had you out of the way, he would make 
her nis mistress.” 

“ And what is that to you ? ” asked O’Donnell, the in- 
formation steeling his heart against any remorse he felt 
in committing the bloody deed. 

“ Sir I ” said the soldier, raising himself up, proudly, “ I 
am her foster-brother I ” So saying he noiselessly left the 
room. 

As soon as he had left, O’Donnell took up his position, 
sitting upon the miserable bed, with his hands crossed 
as if fettered, but with the handle of the dagger clutched 
in his right hand, the blade being up in his sleeve. 

The sentry outside marched up and down by the door 
with his usual measured tread. Soon he heard the ap- 
proach of footsteps and the sound of the musket as the 
sentry brought it to a present. 


172 


sarsfield; or. 


The door swung open, and Major Saunders stood be- 
fore him, having closed the door behind him. 

He stood facing O’Donnell for a moment, and then 
going up to him, he said, in the must seductive manner: 

“ Major O’Donnell, your father and my father were 
friends; you and I were friends when boys, until a fool- 
ish love for a silly girl came between us. Since your 
capture old feelings have stirred within me, and I wish 
to save you from the fearful doom of a Kapparee.” 

“ Thanks, Major Saunders. I am glad to find that you 
are not as bad as I thought.” 

“ We all have our weak moments, O’Donnell. I am 
happy to say that my better feelings have triumphed.” 

“ Well, what are you coming to. Major?” 

‘‘T am just going to Kilkenny, and when I represent 
to the General our former friendship, your youth, and 
the fact that you are a commissioned officer, he will, I 
am sure, treat you as a prisoner of war, and accept an 
exchange.” 

“ I must confess that such would be pleasing news in- 
deed.” 

“ But, O’Donnell, you must do something to earn his 
favor ; for instance, if you would just teil me a little about 
those Eapparees — they are a thieving set — where they 
have their quarters ; and give me some little information 
about James’s army, their situation and strength, and the 
like, there would be no trouble in getting your pardon.” 

‘‘ That is. Major, you want me to become that con- 
temptible reptile called an informer ! ” 

“!No, no, not that; you see, my dear fellow, your life 
depends upon it. Just think of that sweet girl, Eveleen 
McCarthy. Isn’t she lovely, O’Donnell, — ^by-the-by, I 
was near snatching her from you in Limerick — all fair 
in love and war, you know— just think of her, and save 
your life.” 

Though I love her next to my God and my country, 
not even to save her would I become an informer I” 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 173 

“You refuse, then?” said the other, sharply. 

“ I do, most certainly I” 

“ Then pray for your soul; for, two hours from this, 
you are a dead man I” 

Scarce had the words passed his lips, when, like a 
flash of lightning, the dagger was plunged into his 
heart. 

He scarcely uttered a groan as he fell upon the bed ; 
his body gave a few spasmodic quivers, and he was 
dead. 

O’Donnell hastily buckled his sword upon himself, 
then donning the cloak and cap, he passed out, closing 
the door after him. The sentry on his beat presented 
arms, and as O’Donnell passed through the hall, a half 
drunken Lieutenant asked, “Major, when will that 
Kapparee be hung ?” 

“ In two hours ! ” was the reply, and he passed on to 
where the orderly held the two horses. He sprang into 
the saddle and dashed forward. As they cleared the 
house, the orderly said: “ Well, Major, is the work well 
done ?” 

“ Aye ! he’s dead, soldier ; hut I shudder when I look 
upon my bloody hands.” 

“We will be pursued. Major; let us strike for some 
Kapparee camp.” 

“ Follow me, I know where one is,” said O’Donnell. 

They were pursued, and that vigorously, for miles ; 
but their horses being superior to the others, they soon 
left the dragoons behind, and towards night reached an 
encampment of Kapparees, where they were welcomed 
with a Cead millefailthe. 


174 


sarsfield; or, 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Sarsfield and O'Donnell Beturn to Limerick — A Happy Fire- 
side — Arrival of Tyrconnell — Departvre of the Duke of 
Berwick— Miserable condition of the Irish Army — Arrival 
of SL Ruth— Preparations for the Campaign of IQQl — GaU 
lant Defence of Athlone. 

“ The foe, like the drag of a fast-ebbing tide, 

Is fiercest at parting, and none may abide I 
The tempest is past— but what murmurs are these 
That fitfully pass on the swell of the breeze ?— 

’Twas the last sob of pain— the last struggle of death, 

And the sad, stifled moan of the soldier’s last breath.’’ 

Early in January, 1691, Sarsfield having organized the 
Rapparees on a more military and effective footing, and 
having placed over them qualified ofiicers, returned to 
Limerick to prepare for the campaign which De Crinkle 
was certain to inaugurate as soon as the season per- 
mitted. He at once set about repairing the works aud 
forts in and around the city, and to put them in the 
best possible state to withstand the threatened siege. 
Though the soldiers were poorly clad and on short 
rations, still they cheerfully labored in throwing up new 
works and in repairing those damaged during the late 
siege. He also called in the detached bodies of troops, 
who, during the winter, were operating with the Rap- 
parees. Encouraging letters had been received from 
Tyrconnell, in which he stated that he had fully suc- 
ceeded in his mission, and that he was about returning to 
Ireland with arms, supplies of clothing and ammuni- 
tion, also with pay for the soldiers, and that he would 


THE LAST GEEAT STBUGGLE FOB lEELAND. 175 

be followed by a French fleet with troops to renew the 
campaign. 

The Irish soldiers had cheerfully borne all their priva- 
tions and hardships, and now, believing their services 
about being rewarded by all they desired. With that 
impressiveness so characteristic of the Irish nation, 
they became enthusiastic, and looked for Tyrconneil’s 
arrival with the happiest anticipations. 

On the 14th of January, two frigates and five small 
vessels entered the harbor of Galway with the Duke of 
Tyrconnell. Instead of the long expected arrival of 
men and supplies, he brought but £24,000, of which he 
had to leave £10,000 at Brest, to buy meat and other pro- 
visions, leaving but the small sum of £14,000 for the pay 
of the army, and to purchase warlike necessaries. As 
for the clothing and other supplies brought by him, they 
were totally inadequate to the wants of the army. 

As we have said, Sarsfield had returned to Limerick, 
and was making strenuous efforts to put the place in 
the best possible state of defence. 

It is time that we should introduce another character 
who figured prominently, but disreputably, in the stir- 
ring drama of the time. One of those strange and falla- 
cious prophecies, so current among the Irish peasantry, 
attributed the liberation of Ireland to a descendant of 
the great family of O'Donnell, of Tyrconnell, who was to 
be distinguished by a red mark. There happened to be 
then resident in Spain a descendant of this exiled family, 
called Balldearg O’Doifntll, or O’Donnell with the red 
mark. These circumstances pointed him out to the 
superstitious as the destined liberator of Ireland. He 
was invited over, and arrived during the first siege of 
Limerick. He was made a colonel, “And it is incredi- 
ble,” says Story, “how fast the Irish vulgar flocked to 
him at his first coming, so that he had got in a small 
time 7000 or 8000 Eapparees, and such like people to- 
gether, and began to make a figure.’’ 


176 


saesfield; oe, 


His utter worthlessness, cowardice, and unprincipled 
character, however, soon became apparent, and he was 
quickly deserted by the multitudes who had flocked 
around him, and he was compelled to retire from the 
neighborhood of Linierick, and the great garrison towns, 
to the western districts of Connaught, where he was 
soon able to raise an independent command of some 
7000 men. There, protected by the Irish lines in front, 
he had no dread of the enemy, but subsisted his army 
at discretion on the country, thus keeping the peasantry 
from joining the regular forces, and consuming the pro- 
visions so necessary to the army. In the meantime he 
had kept up secret communication with De Ginkle, for 
the purpose of betraying his followers, and securing im- 
munity and rewards for his treachery. 

Lady Sarsfield, Eveleen, and Colonel McCarthy had 
lived quietly, in their house in the County Clare side 
of the city, since the siege. 

The return of General Sarsfield was to them an un- 
mixed source of pleasure. 

The party, including O’Donnell, who had returned 
after his escape from Major Saunders, were sitting 
around a blazing peat fire, Sarsfield and O’Donnell 
relating their adventures with the Rapparees. 

“ They are glorious fellows,” said Sarsfield ; “ I tell you, 
they can fight ; if they were only properly organized and 
armed they would make a splendid army.” 

“Why nob, then, consolidate them with the regular 
army ? ” asked the Colonel. • 

“ Why, my dear Colonel, we have not provisions, 
supphes, or arms for what troops we have, and to bring 
them from a field, where, poorly armed as they are with 
pikes and a few muskets, they are rendering* such good 
service, without the means of supporting or equipping 
them, would be impolitic,” replied the General. 

“ Do you know,” said O’Donnell, “ but, I almost fell in 
love with their wild mode of living, their desultory 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 177 

metliod of warfare and daring achievements. The 
whole country seems to be in league with them. As 
soon as a detachment of English or a foraging party 
leaves camp, the news is at once conveyed to them, and 
if they are weaker than the Kapparees, or scatter, or 
allow themselves to be caught in an ambuscade, their 
destruction is certain. They will lie for hours, for days, 
concealed in woods and hedges, until the favorable 
moment offers to fall upon the enemy, then they seem to 
spring up as if by magic from all sides, and be certain 
few return to tell the tale of their surprise and defeat.” 

“ They had the best of you in the surprise, O’Donnell,” 
said Sarsfield. 

“I must confess they had, for once; but then the 
result was not so satisfactory to them — to their com- 
mander at least.” 

“ I should like to see, and thank the brave fellow that 
saved your life, Hugh,” said Eveleen. 

“ You shall, my dear; I have retained him as my ser- 
vant, and a faithful one he is.” 

£ recollect him, well,” continued Eveleen ; “ when I 
was a child he often played with me when he came to 
see his mother, who was my nurse. Since her death, 
poor woman, I have not seen him. You recollect him, 
father,” she continued, turning to the Colonel. “My 
nurse’s husband was servant to old Mr. Saunders, and 
the boy often came to see his mother.” 

“ Yes, my child, I do, I recollect how you used to steal 
fruits and sweetmeats out to him, and often I took a sly 
peep at ye enjoying them in the summer-house.” 

Eveleen smiled, and remarked : “ You see, Hugh, kind- 
ness is never lost. My friendship for a poor, bare-legged 
boy has saved your precious life to me.” 

“ Thank you and Providence, my love, that I am here 
to-day,” replied Hugh, as he affectionately raised her 
hand to his lips. 


12 


178 


sabsfield; ob, 


Don’t you think, General,” said the Colonel, that it 
would be well to call in the Rapparees and arm them, 
now that Tyrconnell has arrived with supplies? ” 

“ You forget, Colonel, that Tyrconnell has not brought 
arms enough for the men we have in garrison, a scanty 
supply of clothing, and little money to pay the soldiers, 
who are now nearly a year in arrears.” 

“ Good God ! what did he bring then ? ” 

“ If I am informed rightly, he brought little but big 
promises, of which the French King seemed most liberal ; 
some empty titles for me, and an order for the Duke of 
Berwick, who, despite his youth, is the only foreign 
officer that has shown brains and a firm purpose all 
through this war, to return to Fratce.” 

“ Has Ire not brought any tioops with him ? ” 

“ No ; but he says they will soon follow, with the cele- 
brated Marshal St. Ruth to take command of the army in 
Ireland. In return, 1200 men are to be sent immediately 
to France, to join Mountcashel, who is winning laurels 
in Savoy and Cacelonia.” 

“ They seem to think. General, that we want all offi- 
cers and no men. I think the way the French bundled 
at the Boyne, and how Irish officers and soldiers de- 
fended this city, when deserted by the French as unten- 
able, ought to open their eyes to the fact that Irish Gen- 
erals know the country better, have the affection of the 
soldiers more, and are better able to commami them 
than foreigners.” 

“ Results have proved so, at least,” said Sarsfield bit- 
terly. 

Why not entrust you with the command of the army. 
General — you have earned it by your daring exploits ; 
you have shown yourself worthy of it, by your success in 
achieving desperate enterprises, which have been pro- 
nounced impracticable by Tyrconnell and the French 
Generals.” 

“ They think that we Irish are good for nothing but 


THE LAST GBEAT STRUGGLE. FOR IRELAIO). 179 

fighting, Colonel ; they will scarcely give us credit for 
bravery at that same. They will not give us credit for 
the brains to plan, or to execute great movements. 
Tou know. Colonel, how Tyrconnell opposed my raid on 
William’s convoy, and that I undertook it against his 
will. You know how he and Lausan abandoned Lime- 
rick, the latter sneeringly telling us that it could be taken 
with roasted apples; you know how they refused send- 
ing us support from Galway, in our desperate need; you 
know, also, that Tyrconnell is my bitter enemy, because 
I have succeeded in accomplishing things that he had 
abandoned as hopeless, thus placing himself in a ridicu- 
lous light at the Court of France. No, it would not suit 
his purpose to appoint me. He can have a French Gen- 
eral who is ignorant of the country, ignorant of the lan- 
guage of the people, or their best modes of warfare, 
totally under his thumb. And should he succeed, he will 
have all the credit; while, if we fail, he can manage to 
shift the blame on the shoulders of the Irish, or make a 
cat’s-paw of St. Euth, as he did of Lausan.” 

“ It is too bad, too bad, General, that the hopes and 
prospects of a country should be sacrificed thus to grati- 
fy a little vain ambition.” 

“ It is too bad. I vow to heaven I do not desire the 
position through an.y ambitious motive ; but when I see 
the blundering of these French Generals, and how lit- 
tle they understand Irish warfare, I should like to have 
the control of this war, for my royal mast^^r’s sake, and 
for the salvation of poor Ireland. As if I were a child, 
to be quieted with toys, Tyrconnell brings me the empty 
titles of Earl of Lucan and commission of Lieutenant- 
General. I will submit, though, and try and do my duty 
to my King and country as best I can.” 

“ Do you think. General, will St. Euth bring over a 
sufficient force to maintain the war with any prospect of 
success.” 

‘‘ I fear not, Colonel ; more than that, I fear that King 


180 


sabsfield; or, 


Louis feels little interest in the result of the war in Ire- 
landc It is important for him to keep up a strong dem- 
onstration here, so as to prevent William from sending 
his troops to Flanders. By a sustained hostile demon- 
stration here he keeps so many thousand men of Wil- 
liam’s forces from serving against him on the con- 
tinent.” 

The arrival of Tyrconnell in Limerick, and the depar- 
ture of the Duke ot Berwick and the Irish recruits under 
Louvois lor France, did not inspire the soldiers with 
much confidence in the promises of the French King ; 
however, they nobly persevered in strengthening their 
works and preparing for the siege which they knew was 
inevitable. 

The army suffered dreadful privation during the win- 
ter, and nothing but their devotion to the cause, and 
the great influence of Sarsfield, could have kept them 
from wholesale desertion. 

On the 8th of May, when their distress had reached its 
highest pitch, the French fleet with Lieutenant General 
St. Eufch and other French officers arrived at Limerick.* 

Though the Irish were elated at the succor, and had 
the Te Deum chanted in all the churches of Limerick, 
still it is evident to any thinking mind that they were 
totally inadequate to the demand. The Irish had no 
corps of artillery, no field pieces, no engineers, in fact, 
none of those effective materials of war so necessary to 
secure success. 

The Marquis St. Kuth was accompanied by Gens. D’- 

* Matthew O’Connor, in his military history of the Irish na- 
tion, gives the 8th of June as the date of his landing. This is 
evidently a mistake for the 8th of May. The fleet commanded 
hy Count Numond, had on board 103 offiers, 150 cadets, 300 
English and Scotch soldiers, 24 surgeons, 180 masons, 78 can- 
noneers, 800 horses, 19 pieces of cannon, 1,200 horse shoes, 6,000 
bridles and saddles, 16,000 muskets, uniforms, stockings and 
shoes for 16,000 men, some ammunition, a large supply of bis- 
cuit, but no troops. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 181 

Uson and De Tesse. Though St. Kuth was beyond the 
middle age of life, he still possessed great vigor and ac- 
tivity. He was of a commanding, soldierly appearance, 
pleasing aspect, and of a nervous energetic temperament 
Though he had won distinction in Savoy, he was not a 
man suited to carry on such a war as was then waged in 
Ireland, or to conciliate the Irish chiefs. He had great 
hauteur of manner, was very vain, and possessed with 
an overweening confidence in his own judgment and 
importance. The conduct of De Eosen and Lausan had 
left very unfavorable impressions on the minds of the 
Irish Generals, and the indifference with which St. Euth 
treated them did not tend to remove these prejudices. 
He was brave and energetic, however, and went to work 
in the most effective manner to reorganize the Irish 
army, and to put the different forts and fortifications in 
order. Horses for cavalry service were pressed from 
gentlemen and farmers, the disbanded soldiers were next 
called into service, and the Duke of Tyrconnell issued a 
proclamation ordering the Eapparees to retire behind 
the Shannon, and to hold themselves subject to a levee. 
They obeyed with prompitude, and readily supplied the 
required numbers.* 

Towards the end of May, Ginkle moved in the direction 
of Mullingar. On the 27th, General Douglass marched 
from the north with a force of 10,000 men, and encamped 
at Ardagh. Wurtemburg moved from Thurles, collect- 
ing in the detached garrisons on his route, and replacing 
them by mihtia. About the same time. General Talmash 

’''This was another impolitic move of Tyrconnell. The Rappa- 
rees would have rendered great service in harrassing the rear 
of Ginkle’s army, and perhaps have intercepted his communi- 
cation with the capital. Being now disbanded, or, at least, 
useless, having the Irish army in their, front, they hrote up, 
and their after fate was deplorable. Prices were set on their 
heads by the English, and they died on the mountains and by 
the wayside, fighting like tigers to the very last. 


182 


saesfield; oe, 


and Sir Martin Beckman arrived in Dublin with troops, 
and a corps of sappers and miners, and moved forward 
with the great artillery train, such as had never been 
seen in Ireland before. Ginkle was also joined with 
Mackay’s forces from Scotland, according to James’ 
Memoirs. 

On the 31st of May, Ginkle arrived at Mullingar, and 
called in aH his outposts. On the 6th of June, Ginkle 
marched from Mullingar, and on the 8th, he sat down 
before the wretched fort of Ballymore, between Mullin- 
gar and Athlone, and on the direct road to the latter. 
This fort was an outpost of the Irish, and was held by 
Colonel Ulick Burke, with eight hundred soldiers and 
three hundred Kapparrees, with instructions to defend 
to the last, so as to give the Irish tiree to fortify them- 
selves in Athlone before the arrival of Ginkle, whose 
army was now converging to that point. 

After a desperate resistance, the fort being battered 
down, the brave garrison was compelled to surrender. 
Ginkle made a stay of some days at Ballymore, waiting 
for his train of artillery to come up. In the meantime, 
he sent Lord Lisburn with two thousand horse and foot, 
to force a passage of the river at Lanesborough, and 
another body to reconnoitre the defences of Athlone. 

The former suffered a severe repulse, and fell back to 
the main army, while the latter reported Athlone as oc- 
cupied by the Irish forces. 

On the 18th, De Ginkle being joined by his train, 
moved forward to Bally bun. Pass, where he was joined 
by Wurtemburg and Count Nassau, with eight thousand 
men, and having thus concentrated his forces, moved on 
Athlone. The two armies now approaching for the 
dreadful struggle, were almost as disproportionate as 
those which met at the Boyne, the previous year. 

Ginkle’s army, exclusive of the garrisons, left at Mul- 
lingar and Ballymore, must still have numbered about 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 183 

thirty thousand men, while St. Kuth’s, according to the 
best accounts, numbered about twenty-four thousand 
horse and foot. In artillery, arms, and other necessa- 
ries of war, the English superiority was even greater. 
Besides, Ginkle had the advantage of such experienced 
officers as Kuvigny, Mackey, Talmash, Scravenmore, 
and Beckman, chief of artillery. 

While William was marching on Athlone, St. Kuth was 
still at Limerick, hurrying up his preparations there, as 
if he looked upon it as De Ginkle’s objective point. 
Meantime Sarsfleld having ascertained from his Rappa- 
ree scouts the movements of De Ginkle, advised St. Ruth 
to send forward troops to the defence of Athlone, so it 
was evident that it would be the first point attacked. 
He could not credit that De Ginkle would have the hard- 
ihood to attack Athlone, and, on the frequent remon- 
strances of Sarsfield, he despatched a regiment of horse 
to the support of the Governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, with 
orders to hold the town until he arrived. These arrived 
to support the Governor just as the English appeared 
before the town, and only for the delay De Ginkle met 
at Ballymore, he could have taken Athlone before the ar- 
rival of St. Ruth. 

As the English approached the town. Colonel Fitzger- 
ald gallantly disputed every inch of ground with them 
up to the very ramparts. Ditches and hedges were de- 
fended and carried with equal bravery on both sides, but 
superior numbers forced the Irish into the English town.. 
Athlone stands on both sides of the Shannon in the 
counties of Westmeath and Roscommon, that part on 
the Leinster side being called Englishtown, and that on 
the Connaught side Irishtown. 

Had the garrison retired into the Irish town, and 
broken dowirthe bridge connecting it with Englishtown, 
the defence would have proved much more formidable. 
On the 20th, De Ginkle finding that St. Ruth’s army had 


184 


saesfield; ob, 


Dot yet arrived, resolved to press the siege, and, having 
got his artillery into position, opened on the town, and 
having effected a breach, sent forward a storming party 
of four thousand men. 

Englishtown on the Leinster side was held by a force 
of only about four hundred men, and this band of he- 
roes took up their position to resist the powerful column 
advancing against them. 

Onward against them swept the flower of Ginkle’s 
army. They had just reached the breach when from 
lanes, and streets, and houses, a shower of molten lead 
was poured into their very faces. The column halted, 
wavered, and was again rallied by their officers. On 
again they swept to be met by another withering show- 
er of bullets. Though four thousand muskets and De 
Ginkle’s artillery were playing on that little band of four 
hundred, still they grimly held their places. De Ginkle 
sent up strong reinforcements, and ordered the column 
to charge. They did charge, but what remained of the 
four hundred met them face to face, breast to breast, 
steel to steel. 

The strife was desperate, the carnage was fearful. For 
hours the gallant defenders held their ground, and 
hurled back charge after charge. More than half their 
number lay dead, still, their surviving companions 
fought like tigers at bay over the dead bodies. At 
length, being exhausted and assailed on every side, the 
remnant of this gallant band of heroes fell back towards 
the Irish town, disputing every inch of ground with 
their lives, until nearly every man of them lay lifeless 
trunks on the ground which they had so fiercely dis- 
puted. But, this forlorn hope had done good service, 
they had kept the whole of De Ginkle’s army at bay, 
while their comrades were tearing down imo arches of 
the bridge that separated the two sides of the town, thus 
checking De Ginkle’s advance into the Irish town. The 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 185 

conduct of these few hundred Irish troops surpasses 
anything in history. They were sent out as a foilorn 
hope to check Ginkle’s army, while the remainder of the 
garrison were tearing down the bridge, thus cutting 
them off from all chance of escape, even hack to their 
comrades. They knew their mission — they knew their 
fate. One was to hold a rotten, unfortified town against 
some thirty thousand troops and De Ginkle’s superior 
artillery — their fate was certain death, for with such an 
enemy in front, and a broken bridge in their rear, all 
chances of escape were cut off; yet they did not hesitate 
nor falter, but fought until over two hundred of their 
corpses formed a mound from the breach to the broken 
arches of the Shannon bridge. Speak of Leonidas 
and his Spartan heroes, their sacrifice was great, no 
doubt, and worthy to embellish the pages of history for 
all time, but not one bit greater than the few hundred 
Irish soldiers who thus died to save their country. Had 
such a deed been performed by English soldiers, 
glowing eulogiums on marble tablets would testify the 
fact, and stately monuments be raised in admiration of 
their virtues and their heroism. 

De Ginkle, having gained possession of the English 
town, removed his artillery within the walls, and soon 
erected batteries. He next sent orders to hasten up his 
pontoons, which were on their way from Mullingar, 
and warned by the fate of William’s convoy, were 
strongly guarded. 


186 


sarsfield; or, 


CHAPTEE XIY. 

Siege of Athlone—Gallant Conduct of Irish Soldiers in 
Tearing down the Bridge— “Capture of Athlone— Battle 
of Aughrim— Bravery of the Irish — St, BuWs Death 
the Cause of the English Victory, 

‘‘The blood you shed shall only serve more deep revenge to 
nurse, 

And our hatred be as lasting as the tyranny we curse. 

From age to age consuming, it shall blaze a quenchless fire. 

And the son shall thirst and bum still more fiercely than his 
sire. 

By our sorrows, wrongs and battles, by our Cromleachs, raths 
and tow’rs. 

By sword and chain, by all our slain, between your race and 
ours 

Be naked glaives and yawning graves, and ceaseless tears 
and gore, 

’Till battle’s fiood wash out in blood your footsteps from our 
shore 1 ” 

St. Euth, on hearing of the capture of the English 
town of Athlone, hurried forward with fifteen hundred 
horse and foot, leaving the rest of his troops to follow- 
On his arrival he pitched his camp a short distance out- 
side the town. He appointed D’Usson governor in- 
stead of Fitzgerald, as being more versed in the science 
of defending fortified towns. He strengthened the gar- 
rison with fresh troops, threw up strong lines of en- 
trenchments, got his guns into position and opened on 
the enemy. 

Ginkle turned all his heavy guns on the castle, and a 
continuous fire was kept up night and day from both 
sides. 

The fire of Ginkle’s mortars set several of the houses 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 187 

beyond the castle on fire. Sixty-four Irish soldiers oc- 
cupied a mill in the middle of the river to keep up a fire 
on the broken bridge. The passage which connected it 
with the bridge was blown down, and the mill itself took 
fire, and the whole detachment, with the exception of 
two, were consumed in the fiames. The wall of the cas- 
tle was blown down, choking up the sally-port and ex- 
posing the inteiior to the guns of the besiegers. 

The whole town was partly in ruins, the bastion was 
beaten down so as to be passable to horse and foot, yet 
the brave defenders never quailed, but stoutly stood to 
their posts and their guns. The castle was deemed no 
longer tenable, and Ginkle contemplated an assault in 
force on the morning of the 27th. In order to create a 
diversion in his favor, he resolved to force a passage to 
the north of Lanesborough. Wauchop, Governor of the 
castle of Athlone, being apprised of their intention, sent 
word to Colonel O’Keilly, Governor of Lanesborough, 
directing him to call on the Eail of Antrim’s regiment 
for support. Ginkle, finding that O’Keilly was prepared 
to receive him, gave up the idea of forcing a passage and 
turned his attention to the hazardous attempt of cross- 
ing in force at the bridge. Meantime the English guns 
played furiously upon the town and castle; the heavy 
guns and mortars raining a perfect shower of shot and 
shell upon it. 

Story, William’s historian, says: “We labored hard to 
gain the bridge, but what we got was inch by inch, as it 
were, the enemy sticking very close to it, though great 
numbers were slain by our guns ; and this service cost 
us great stores of ammunition.” At length Ginkle hav- 
ing completely swept the bridge with his guns, and hav- 
ing dismounted the Irish cannon that commanded it, on 
the 28tfi the English succeeded in planking the broken 
arches so that a clear road was open for the assailing 
party to enter the town. All seemed lost; the forts 


188 


BARSFIELD ; OE, 


and works around the bridge were all demolished, and 
the English guns and small arms swept a space around 
the broken arches so that nothing could live under their 
fire. All seemed lost ; and Sarsfield and the other gen- 
erals were marshalling their men to meet the assault 
with the steel. All was not lost ; and the unsurpassed 
bravery of a few daring men foiled Ginkle’s design. 
History does not record such an example of heroism — 
even before it Thermopylae pales into insignificance — 
such a noble impulse of courage and native chivalry, 
such a pure act of devoted patriotism as that displayed 
by a few Irish soldiers. A sergeant named Custume, of 
Maxwell’s regiment, offered to head a party of volun- 
teers to tear up the planks placed across the bridge. The 
offer was accepted, and with ten companions, all clad in 
armor, this brave soldier rushed forward to the bridge. 
Ginkle’s army stood for a moment bewildered and 
amazed, while the intrepid fellows, as King James says, 
“ with courage and strength even beyond what men were 
thought capable of,” began to pull away the planks and 
beams and to fling them into the river. A cheer of ap- 
probation and admiration went up from the Irish lines, 
which was answered by a tremendous fire of small arms 
and artillery from the English, all directed at the martyr 
heroes. Though the English admired such daring cour- 
age, still war has no mercy or compassion even for the 
brave, and one by one the devoted band rolled into the 
river. The task was yet unfinished, but hundreds, aye 
thousands were ready to foUow, and ere the last hero had 
fallen, eleven more sprang forward to complete the work. 
Shot, and shell, and musket baUs were poured upon 
them from the whole English line. Nine had fallen — 
two alone returned ; but they had finished their heroic 
work and the bridge was impassable. The destruction 
of the bridge, though it retarded Ginkle’s operations, did 
not deter him from prosecuting the siege, but only in- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 189 

flamed him to open his batteries on the tower with more 
desperate vigor, which soon reduced the outer works and 
castle to ruins. 

The English were to gain by stratagem and treachery a 
victory which their bravery was unable to effect. Max- 
well, who guarded a ford below the town, relaxed his 
vigilance, and one of his men deserted, and apprized the 
enemy of this fact, as also of the desperate state of the 
garrison. 

A disagreement, too, between St. Euth and d’ Usson, 
contributed to the fall of Athlone. The former wished 
the ruins of the houses and forts to be levelled, so 
that the troops could advance to the attack in case the 
English took the forts on the river ; the latter replied that 
it was their work to build forts, not to level them. Ginkle, 
after having been foiled in every stratagem, and repulsed 
in every assault, seriously contemplated abandoning the 
siege, but, encouraged by the deserter’s report of the 
negUgence in the Irish camp, and of the ruined state of 
the works, he resolved to make another desperate effort to 
take the town by storm. 

In the gray dawn of that summer’s morning, which 
was to witness the fall of Athlone, so bravely defended 
by Irish valor, Col. Cormac O’^^’eil entered the quarters 
of Gen. Maxwell, to inform him that from certain indi- 
cations of the enemy another assault might be expected; 
and also to beg for ammunition for his men, who had 
none. Maxwell incredulously asked him if he wanted to 
shoot lavrocks. O'Neil next communicated his suspici- 
ons to St. Euth, who was encamped with the reserves in 
the rear of the town. He sent back the insulting reply : 

“ If O’Neil is afraid, another general officer wiU be sent 
to take his place.” 

This answer stung the gallant O’Neil, who had com- 
mand of the works at the time, and he quickly resolved 
to do his duty should he be attacked. At six o’clock 


190 


sabsfield; oe, 


the English artillery opened along their whole line 
sweeping the Irish works and lines in their front. Im- 
mediately afterwards the English columns dashed into 
the river, headed by sixty grenadiers cased in armor. 
These were followed by two thousand chosen infantry, 
and Talmash’s and Hamilton’s Cavalry. While the Eng- 
lish were thus desperately and gallantry endeavoriug 
to force a passage at the ford, other columns fought 
their way over the pontoons and tower-bridge. 

The surprise was complete, the English affected a 
crossing at several points, and the raw recruits, who 
had garrisoned the city, being out of ammunition, made 
but a feeble resistance, and were slaughtered in the 
ruined houses and blocked up streets. Maxwell’s vet- 
erans made a desperate resistance, but were soon over- 
powered and slain. 

Information was hastily sent to St. Euth that the ene- 
my was crossing the river. The French general is said 
to have been engaged signing articles against the Duke 
of Tyrconnell, whom he hated, and about setting out on a 
shooting excursion at the time he received the news. 

“ It is impossible,” he exclaimed, “ that the English 
should attempt to take a town, and I so near with an 
army to succor it. I would give a thousand pistoles 
they durst attempt it ! ” 

To this boastful folly Sarsfield, who was present, 
replied : 

“No enterprise is too difficult for English courage to 
attempt, and I’d advise you. General, to spare your 
money, and immediately despatch reinforcements.” 

“What! do you mean to dictate tome?” rephed St. 
Euth. 

“ No, General,” was the reply ; but I take the liberty 
of advising you to send forward troops at once to sup- 
port the garrison, for, situated as it is, if the English 
once get a footing, Athlone is lost.” 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 191 

Some angry words passed between St. Euth and Sars- 
field, which led to a breach, and most likely to the loss 
of Aughrim. 

Word soon afterwards arrived that the English had 
effected a landing, and were driving the Irish before 
them. St. Euth, now seeing his error, immediately des- 
patched two brigades of infantry, under Hamilton and 
Sarsfield, to dislodge the enemy. It was too late. The 
English held most of the forts and strongholds, and be- 
fore Sarsfield, who had over two miles to march from 
camp, reached the town, the Irish were nearly driven out 
of it. He made a gallant and desperate effort to retrieve 
the disaster, but succeeded only in covering the retreat 
of the Irish troops. 

Athlone was taken by surprise — its Grovernor being 
asleep when it was attacked — and the brave defenders 
lost heavily in men and officers. The brave old Colonel 
Grace, Colonel A. McGuire, and several other chief offi- 
cers, were among the slain. 

THE BATTLE OF AUGHEIM. 

St. Euth being thus, by the loss of Athlone, justly 
punished for his overbearing pride and confidence, fell 
back that evening about a mile towards Melton Pass, 
and on the following day, the 1st of July, retreated to- 
wards Ballinasloe. ‘‘ In his retreat,” says King James, 
“ the Connaught regiments were reduced from 17,000 to 
11,000 men.” Having crossed to the Eoscommon side of 
the river Suck, he encamped along it for several days, 

Ginkle, afcer the capture of Athlone, remained there 
for several days, resting his troops and putting the place 
and the different passes along the Shannon in a state of 
defence. 

On the 4th of July, he sent out a detachment of horse 
and mounted grenadiers, under the traitor Higgins, to 
reconnoitre the Irish position. 


192 saesfield; on, 

A body of Irish cavalry fell on them, in the woods of 
Clanoult, and despersed them, their leader being badly 
wounded. 

On the 10th, Ginkle, having left a garrison in Athlone, 
marched to Kilcashel. Next day he passed the Suck, 
and took possession of the hills of Garbally. 

About three miles south-west of Ballinasloe runs a 
range of hills. The most prominent one of these is Kil- 
comedan. Along its front, and to the right and left, 
extends an open country, traversed by a small stream, 
which then overflowed its banks, converting them into 
a regular morass of mud and water, rendering it inac- 
cessable to the passage of troops, except at two points. 
These were the pass of Urrachree on the right, and that 
of Aughrim on the left. Urrachree was protected by the 
slope of the hill and the morass, with steep hills and 
bays on its outer flank. 

The pass of Aughrim, which was close to the hill of 
Kilcomedan, was completely protected by a deep bog a 
mile in length. The road to Aughrim was protected on 
the right and left by an extension of this bog. 

The little river, which separated into several branches 
crossed the road. The approach by this road was cov- 
ered by an old stronghold of the O'Kelly’s, called the 
castle of Aughrim. 

Such was the position selected by St. Euth, to confront 
the army of Ginkle. The Irish line extended for about 
two miles, between the church of Kilcomedan on the 
right, to that of Gourtnapory on the left, along the north- 
eastern ridge of Kilcomedan. St. Euth selected for his 
headquarters the site of an old Danish rath, near the 
summit of the hill. He strengthened his position by 
several entrenchments, and by connecting the ditches 
that crossed the hill with flanking communications. 
These he manned with his infantry, leaving sufficient 
openings on his flanks for his cavalry to charge through. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGI.E FOR IRELAND. 193 

The entrance of the defile at Aughrim was well pro- 
tected and guarded, while the old Castle of Aughrim was 
occupied by Colonel Walter Burke and his regiment, 
with two pieces of cannon. In a hollow behind the 
castle his main body of horse were stationed, while his 
infantry extended as far as the morass. His reserve 
occupied the slope behind Kilcomedan, so as to be 
available to march to the support of either pass. 

St. Ruth’s position was a strong one, and admirably 
selected, but, unfortunately, he wanted sufficient artillery 
to cover it. He had but nine pieces, which he placed 
thus: two at Aughrim Castle, and the rest divided 
chiefly on his flanks. His plan was to allow a large 
portion of the English army to cross over, and then, 
having drawn them towards the Irish front and 
reserves, to open on them from all sides. 

The strength of the Irish army at-Aughrim has been 
much overrated by prejudiced writers. Taking the 
most impartial authors as our authority, we would set it 
down at about twelve thousand foot, and four thousand 
horse and dragoons. The English force consisted of 
twenty-eight regiments of foot, or about nineteen thou- 
sand men ; and nineteen regiments of horse, comprising 
about six thousand men, making a total of about 
twenty-five tnousand horse and foot, with, according to 
their own account, twelve pieces ^ of artillery ; while 
others rate them as high as thirty. 

Ginkle’s army was composed of choice troops, flushed 
with their recent victory, while a large portion of the 
Irish army were raw recruits. In justice, though, it 
must be said, that St. Ruth’s splendid position fully 
made up for tne numerical difference between the two 
armies. 

St. Ruth, having drawn up his army, addressed the 
men in an impressive manner; appealing to their hero- 
ism ; their devotion to their religion, their sovereign, and 

13 


194 


sabsfield; ob, 


their country; and imploring them, by all they held 
dear and sacred, to resist the enemy until victory should 
crown their banners. Ginkle, on the other hand, was 
making preparations for the coming conflict, and trying 
to ascertain St. Kuth’s strength and position by re- 
connoitering forces. It was the eve of battle — the 
calm, still eve of the Sabbath day. The sultry glare of 
the summer’s sun was succeeded by the calm stillness 
of evening. There was that soft, spiritual influence 
about it, which is so apt to dispose men’s minds to con- 
templation. 

Kilcomedan, with its long array of white tents, 
glowed in the setting sun like a village of canvas, while 
the parting rays seemed to linger, in a golden halo 
around the ruined Castles of Urachree and Aughrim, 
and to light up, with a golden light, the churches of 
Kilcomedan and Kilconel. Who could think that so 
lovely an evening would herald in a morning of blood 
and horrors, of grief and tears. 

Soon the pale light of the moon glimmered forth to 
aid the vigilant chaplains, who, during the short twilight 
that separated night from morning, patiently heard the 
confessions of thousands, whose arms were nerved for 
the flght by the consolations of religion. As the dark- 
ness that heralded in the morning cleared away, the 
voices of the chaplains again were heard, as they of- 
fered up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, around whose 
rude altars thousands of brave men congregated, who, 
ere another day dawned, were destined to appear before 
the throne of their Creator. 

It was a beautiful picture of Irish heroism and piety. 
It was a propitiation for justice on earth and mercy in 
heaven. 

The morning sun rose on that 12th of July, 1691, veiled 
by a aense fog, as if to shut out the scenes of horror and 
suffering that were so soon to be enacted. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 195 

At early dawn Ginkle’s army was in motion, and pre- 
sented a grand and imposing spectacle, as the different 
commands fell into line. It was divided into four di- 
visions, under the command of able and tried leaders, 
such as Kuvigny, Talmash, Scravenmore, Villers, Mac- 
key, Cunningham, Du Cambon, and several others, the 
whole commanded by Lieutenant-General Ginkle, re- 
cently made Earl of Athlone, and the Prince of Wur- 
temburg. 

The Division and Brigade Generals commanding St. 
Euth’s army, were Colonels Walter and David Eourke, 
who held the castle of Aughrim ; Lord Bophin, General 
Henry Luttiell, and Colonels Simon Luttrell and Ulick 
Burke, commanded on the left. Generals Doriington. H. 
M. J. O’Neil, Gordon O’Neil, and Colonels Felix O Neil 
and Anthony Hamilton held the centre; while Lords 
Kilmallock, Galmoy, Clare, and Colonel James Talbot, 
commanded on the right; and Lord Lucan (Sarsfield), 
and General John Hamilton, commanded the cavalry. 

St. Kuth, active and vigilant, had his whole force 
drawn up in line of battle. 

The English line steadily and proudly advanced until 
close on the marshes, where it halted. Ginkle advanced 
to a steep hill, near Urrachree, to reconnoitre the ene- 
my’s position. 

St. Euth took his position on the ridge of Kilcomedan. 

It was eight o’clock. The fog was slowly rising up and 
floating away through the valleys, revealing to the two 
chiefs the rival armies drawn up for action, and present- 
ing to their eyes a sublime panorama of marshalled 
troops drawn up in battle array. 

As St. Euth expected, Girkle was massing his troops 
to force the pass of Urachree. Ginkle, having ascer- 
tained the strong position of the Irish, hesitated, and, it 
is said, would have deferred the conflict until the fol- 
lowing day, had not a general engagement been precipi- 


196 


saesfield; oe, 


tated by the encounter of some Danish and Irish 
horse, near Urachree, in which the latter were victori- 
ous. Cunningham’s Dragoons, reckoned the best in the 
English service, were ordered up, and after a sha! p con- 
flict forced the pass, but were soon hurled back by Lord 
Galmoy’s horse. 

Sir Albert Cunningham massed all his Dragoons into 
a charging column, and, supported by the Royal Holland 
Dragoons, after scattering the infantry pickets, forced 
the pass of Urrachree, but was met with a destructive 
Are from the Irish infantry, which was followed up by 
another desperate charge of Galmoy’s horse. 

Ginkle threw forward the Portland Guards to sustain 
his horse, while St. Ruth, reinforced his with the Tyr- 
connell Guards, under General Talbot. 

The battle here became a desperate hand to hand, 
man to man, breast to breast conflict, but at length 
the English broke and fled; being almost decimated by 
the guns from Urachree in their flight. 

The English artillery now opened along the whole 
line, while the Irish guns swept the passes of Urachree 
and Aughrim. 

The author of that heroic drama, so dear to our child- 
hood, ‘‘The Battle of Aughrim,” thus alludes to this 
desperate cavalry encounter : 

Lord Portland’s horse approach the mortal fight, 

With sword in hand to put our troops to fiight : — 

This Talbot saw, and like a hero bold. 

Disdaining life, he scorned to be controlled — 

But, as a Mars, amid the throng he run, 

And there he stood like marble to the sun, 

Till, being hacked and fianked on every side. 

By multitudes oppressed, he bravely died.” 

It was two o’clock. Ginkle, repulsed in every assault, 
called a council of his generals, at which it was debated 
whether it was wiser to defer the conflict. The opinion 


THE LAST GEEAT STEUGGLE FOE lEELAND. 197 

of Major General Mackey, who was in favor of immedi- 
ate action, prevailed, and it was resolved to post the 
cavalry on the flanks, and to mass the infantry on the 
centre. Twelve thousand infantry now moved forward 
in solid columns to force the Irish lines, while the Eng- 
lish cavalry operated upon its right and left. Steadily 
marched this line across the ground of Urachree. 

Out spoke the artillery from both lines, sweeping into 
the living masses before it. On through this living fire 
sweep the English columns. The pass of Uracliree is 
gained ; but soon from out of every hedge and ditch 
sweeps a withering fire, that plowed through the English 
ranks. 

The English had gained the first line of entrench- 
ments, but were soon hurled back. It was bayonet to 
bayonet, breast to breast — a death-struggle, a hand-to- 
hand conflict, which was renewed over and over again. 
Every inch of ground won by the English was fiercely 
disputed, until, as a Huguenot actor in the scene wrote, 
“ There remained only one course to adopt, which was to 
perish, and sell our lives as dearly as possible.” 

Column after column of Ginkle’s veterans were hurled 
back, and now he ordered up fresh regiments, and Lanier 
and Kewigny’s cavalry to their support. St. Kuth looked 
on, and cried out, “ Our victory is certain ! ” 

He then ordered troops from the left to support his 
right. While these were marching across the hill of 
Kilcomedan, Ginkle ordered his centre to cross and 
attack the Irish front. 

This they bravely did, and met with little interruption 
until they had closed on the Irish lines concealed behind 
the hedges, where they met with such a fire as to throw 
them into momentary confusion. Exasperated at this, 
they rallied and charged on the Irish lines, and up the 
hill, only to expose themselves to a destructive fire in 
front and on their flank. 


198 


saesfield; or, 


They fought desperately, but to no avail ; for as they 
attempted to re-form, Sarsfield and his cavalry fiercely 
swept down upon them, hurling them back, and cutting 
them down in numbers. The Prince of Hesse’s division 
met with a similar fate in attempting to pierce the Irish 
left towards Kilcomedan. 

The English were repulsed on all sides, and St. Kuth 
complacently and hopefully surveyed the field befoie 
him. On his right, the Irish were not only the victors, 
but had become the assailants. His centre had com- 
pletely repulsed the terrible charges of the enemy, while 
on his left, the Prince of Hesse was vainly endeavoring 
to fiounder back through the morass. He was victori- 
ous at all points, and certain success appeared within 
his grasp. He had broken down two horses during the 
fatigues of the day, and now, mounted ou the third, he 
rode down to his left to congratulate his cavalry on their 
brilliant exploits. While there, his attention was directed 
to the movements of Talmash, who, at the head of the 
English cavalry, supported by a compact body of infant- 
ry, was approaching along the causeway. 

“ What do they mean ? ” he inquired. 

To try and force the pass, and then to succor their 
infantry,” replied Sarsfield. Considering the concealed 
forces, and the Castle of Aughrim in their front, their 
destruction appeared inevitable. 

“ Then,” said St. Kuth, “ we have won the battle.” 

Seeing them still advance, he remarked : ‘‘ They are 
brave fellows, ’tis a pity they should be so exposed.” 

Then forming his Guards to charge down the hill, he 
despatched orders to hurry up his reserve to crush 
Talmash, and addressing those around him, he said ; 

“ They are beaten, let us beat them to the purpose 

Scarcely had he uttered the words when his head was 
shattered by a cannon ball, and he fell from his horse a 
corpse. 


THE LAST GKEAT STEIJGGLE FOR IRELAND. 199 

Horror and amazement seized those around him. His 
attendants threw a cloak over his boay and bore it to 
the rear. The charge that would have decided the 
battle of Aughrim in favor of the Irish, was suspended. 
Sarsfield and other Generals had gone to distant parts 
of the field. There was no one to give the command, and 
the cavalry soon became demoralized. Talmash, seeing 
this, dashed on, and after a gallant and desperate 
resistance from the gar risen, who ran out of ammuni- 
tion, captured the Castle of Aughrim. 

The infantry still fought desperately along the whole 
line, but their left and centre were soon broken, and 
their right badly pressed. 

As night began to close over the field of carnage, the 
Irish being pressed on all sides with cavalry and infan- 
try mingled together, all demoralized by the death of 
their General, gave way, and were in their retreat cruel- 
ly butchered by their relentless foes. 

Thus ended the disastrous battle of Aughrim. Up to 
the moment of St. Ruth’s death never was a day more 
prophetic of victory. One charge, and Aughrim was a 
gallant victory for the Irish, that charge was never 
made, because the tongue that was to give the order 
was silent in death, and the head that alone held the 
plan of battle was scattered about a mass, of bones and 
brains. 

Sarsfield and other Generals did all they could to re- 
trieve the disaster, but were too late. The death of St. 
Ruth struck terror into his followers, and Talmash had 
gained a strong position before any General came up to 
oppose him. 

So fatal was the death of St. Ruth, at such a critical 
moment, that one would almost be tempted to believe 
that there was a destiny in it.* 

* The loss of the English in the battle ot Aughrim was about 
2,300 men; 300 oflScers of all grades were wounded, and 73 


200 


saesfield; ok, 


CHAPTEE XY. 

The Fall of Galway^ Treachery of Bealderg OWonnell, 
Henry Luttrell and Others — Ginkle Besieges Limerick — 
tSarsJleld’s Noble Befence-^Colonel McCarthy Killed-^ 
The Peace Party Prevail — Sarsjield’s Indignation, 

** Deep let it sink in Irish hearts the story of their isle, 

And waken thoughts of tenderest love, and burning wrath the 
while. 

Our gentry stript of land and clan, sent exiles o’er the main. 
To turn the scales on foreign fields for foreign monarch's gain : 
Our people trod like vermin down, all ’fenceless flung to 
sate 

Extortion, lust, and brutal whim, and rancorous bigot hate— • 
Our priesthood tracked from cave to hut, like felons chased 
and lashed. 

And from their holy ministering hands the lifted chalice 
dashed.” 

CoLoi^EL McCabthy, Lady Sarsfield, and Eveleen 
spent their time in Limerick, during the siege of Athlone 
and the subsequent military oi)erations which led to the 
battle of Aughrim and the surrender of Galway, in a 
state of constant fear and anxiety. Though the miser- 
able state of the inhabitants taxed the ladies’ womanly 
care and attention, they could not forget that those 
they loved were exposed to all the dangers and vicissi- 
tudes of war, and that the cause they held so dearly at 
heart looked gloomy, indeed. The brave defence of 

killed, including one Major-General and five Colonels. The 
loss of the Irish, most of whom were killed in retreat) was, ac- 
cording to English accounts, 7,000, including their Commander- 
in-Chief and seventeen Generals and officers of distinction. 
They lost all their colors, guns, and camp equipage. It haa 
never been ascertained where, or how, St. Ruth was buried. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAITD. 201 

Athlone cheered them for a time with the hope that the 
Irish would hold out until the wished-for aid from France 
would arrive. Its fall, however, dissipated this hope, 
and the disastrous results of the battle of Aughrim, filled 
them with the dread that Limerick would be the next 
point of attack. Though the hospitals were full of sick 
and wounded, and though the citizens were already 
short of provisions, this did not damp their ardor, for 
every man who was able cheerfully labored on the forti- 
fications, or took up his musket or pike to resist the 
invader. While the old Colonel went about encourag- 
ing the men, or giving the benefit of his great experi- 
ence to the officers, Lady Sarsfield and Eveleen, like min- 
istering angels, frequented the hospitals, waited on the 
sick, nursing and tending them, and from their own 
stinted supplies bringing them refreshments. 

Though the sword and famine had greatly thinned the 
citizens, still those that remained went to work with a 
grim determination to perish rather than that their city 
should fall into the enemy’s hands. 

After the battle of Aughrim, part of the Irish army 
fell back to the defences of Limerick, while the remain- 
der were despatched to the support of Galway. Among 
those who retired to Limerick was Gen. Sarsfield. His 
return was hailed by the citizens with great rejoicing. 
So popular was he, that even in affiiction, and smarting 
under defeat, this warm-hearted people could not help 
showing their devotion for their idolized General. 

Even in this hour of trial the presence of Sarsfield in- 
spired with confidence, not only his family, but also the 
citizens. He was their hope, and under his guidance 
alone did they expect any success. His heroism at the 
former siege, his destruction of King William’s train, his 
bravery in the vario us actions of the campaign, endeared 
him both to the people and the soldiers. He was sur- 
rounded by no vain pomp or dsplay, and in the field he 


202 


SARSFIELD ; OR, 


cheerfully shared with the commonest soldier all the 
hardships, privations and dangers of the campaign. He 
often shared the soldier’s hard crust, slept beside him 
on the bare ground, and fought beside him where the 
blows were thickest and heaviest. His habits were 
simple and unaffected, and contrasted strangely with 
those of the gay French officers, who always managed to 
live on the best that could be got, and who, decked out in 
splendid uniforms, looked down upon the poor, badly 
clad, half-fed Irish soldier, with a quiet contempt. His 
manners were affable and courteous, and his ear was 
ever open to the complaints of the humblest soldier. 
No wonder, therefore, that the seldiers idolized him, and 
that the name of Sarsfield fired their hearts with valor and 
filled their enemies with terror. 

Days had passed since the battle of Aughrim. Hin- 
kle’s army slowly moved on Galway, which he was de- 
termined to reduce before he would again besiege 
Limerick. 

In the meantime, Sarsfield was actively engaged re- 
pairing the old forts and fortifications, which he re- 
solved to defend to the last man. Tyrconnell, upon 
whom age and misfortunes had pressed heavily, op- 
posed Sarsfield’s intentions, and was in favor of a sur- 
render. Hopeless of a successful result, and of receiv- 
ing French aid, he was anxious to secure his possessions 
as one of the terms of a timely surrunder. Sarsfield’s 
cry was, “No surrender ! ” and the brave men who stood 
beside him echoed his determination. 

One evening, Sarsfield returned, after a raid he had 
made, to tiy and cut off the enemy’s communication. 
He looked dispirited and dejected. His wife affection- 
ately embraced him, and said, “I am afraid my Lord 
brings more bad news I ” 

“We are so schooled in bad news now. General,” said 
the old Colonel, “ that we can patiently hear the worst.” 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELA^^D. 203 

Eveleen leant upon O’Donnell’s arm, as the latter pa- 
tiently awaited any orders from his general. 

Sarsfield strode up and down the room a couple of 
times, and then standing in front of Colonel McCarthy, 
taking his hand, he exclaimed, ‘‘ All is lost, old friend. 
Treachery and treason are doing more for the Saxon 
than the sword.” 

“ Aye, so it is,” replied the Colonel ; “ but then that is 
nothing new. Disunion and treachery did more to 
conquer Ireland than all the power of the daring IS'ors- 
men ; disunion and treachery has kept us divided and 
trampled upon since the first Saxon invader polluted 
our soil. It is the old story. General; but what fresh 
instance have shamed our race and our country ? ” 

“ Aye, Colonel, it makes me blush to tell it. The trai- 
tor Bealderg O’Donnell has betrayed us.” 

“ Betrayed us I ” indignantly exclaims the Colonel. 

“ Aye, betrayed us. With his force of some thousand 
Rapparees, he could have checked the enemy at Cong, 
or cut off his communications and supplies ; but no, the 
cold blooded traitor made his terms with Ginkle, with 
whom it appears he has been for some time in com- 
munication.” 

“ Curse him! ” exclaimed the indignant soldier. 

“ Worse still, Galway has fallen without a blow.” 

Galway surrendered I ” 

“ It is so. I thought they would have held the place 
long enough for us to have fortified Limeidck, and, per- 
haps, until that tardy aid arrives from France. With 
good outworks, garrisoned by seven regiments, it might 
have stood a protracted siege; but my Lords Clanrick- 
ard, Dillon, and Enniskillen, wishing to save themselves 
and their estates, overruled the counsels of D’Usson, 
who was for holding out to the last, and Ulic Burke and 
several other officers, deserted to the enemy, and the 
traitor is now serving in their army. Lords Rivers ton 
and Daly, whom James had raised to the peerage from 


204 


saesfield; oe, 


humble life, have been all along in secret communica- 
tion with the enemy.” 

My God, my God! that I should live to see such a 
crop of treason and treachery.” 

Oh, it is fearful. Colonel I Who can we trust afte 
this?” 

‘‘ And what will you do, General ? ” 

“ I have ordered General Henry Luttrell with his caval- 
ry to meet the garrison of Galway at Six-mile Brioge 
and escort them here. These will greatly strengthen our 
forces, and then I have taken my resolve, that is, by 
Heaven ! to defend Limerick while one stone stands upon 
another I ” 

“ Brave resolve, General ; and does my Lord Tyrconnell 
back you in this ? ” 

Poor old man ! he does not well know what to do 
Age, grief and ill-health have, I fear, unsettled his mind. 
He is for holding oufc to the last, but I am afraid the 
peace party will change his mind, for we have cowards 
and ti'aitors in our very midst. He has despatched an 
express to St. Germain for speedy succor or leave to 
make tenns. I fear, though, that his messenger wiffl be 
too latOj for, with traitors in our midst and a determined 
foe without, who can tell the result.” 

“ It makes my old blood curdle with indignation. Gen- 
eral. We men and soldiers could here suffer as soldiers? 
but what is to become of these tender ones and that 
poor, prattling babe ? ” and he pointed to the women and 
child. 

“ I can suffer the worst, like a soldier’s wife I ” ex- 
claimed Lady Sarsfield, as she proudly kissed her hus- 
band. 

“ And I, too,” replied Eveleen. 

“ But you forget, dear, that you are not a soldier’s 
wife,” whispered O’Donnell, as he pressed her to his 
bosom. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 205 

Aye, his betrothed wife — ^his in the sight of Heaven,’’ 
whispered the maiden. 

The garrison from Galway arrived in due time, and the 
repairing of the fortifications proceeded with wonderful 
dispatch. 

Fearing the treachery of the peace party, Tyrconnell 
called all the oflOcers together and made them renew 
their oath of fidelity, he and Sarsfield setting them the 
example. Tyrconnell exerted himself with wonderful 
vigor and activity to forward the works, being power- 
fully aided by Lord Lucan, “ whose intentions were al- 
ways right, and zealous for the King’s service ; but their 
efibrts were unhappily counteracted by treachery and 
discord, on which the English General relied more than 
on the number and valor of his troops.” * 

In the midst of these preparations, on the eleventh of 
August, Tyrconnell, while dining with Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral D’Usson,.was seized with a fit of apoplexy and died 
on the fourteenth of that month. 

After his death D’TJsson assumed the command, but 
Sarsfield, who was next in command, was the ruling 
spirit, and attended to all the details in repairing the for- 
tifications, providing ammunition and stores, and in de- 
feating the machinations of the peace party. 

While these preparations were going on, news arrived 
that the French were making great preparations at Brest 
to send reinforcements to Ireland. This inspired the 
hope and courage of the Irish, but treason and treachery 
were busy in their ranks. 

One evening Sarsfield entered his house much de- 
jected, and holding an open letter in his hand. 

‘‘ What is the news, General ? ” exclaimed the Colonel ; 
“ good news, I hope, from France, but I fear me, it is 
not so.” 

“ More treachery. Colonel, more treason ; the viper has 
turned on the bosom that warmed it.” 


♦ Memoirs of the Irish Nation. 


200 


saesfield; ok, 


Who is it, Greneral, pray speak ? ” 

“ You know how I loved Henry Luttrell ? ” 

‘‘Aye, as a brother, as David loved Absalom.” 

“ And yet, this man has betrayed me.” 

“ Impossible ! ” 

“ Bead that,” and he handed him the letter. 

It was a letter from Sebastian, the secretary of Ginkle, 
to Henry Luttrell, in reply to the latter’s offer to surren- 
der Limerick to him. 

“ My God ! who can we trust ? ” exclaimed the 
Colonel, as he read the letter. How did you get this 
letter. General ? ” 

“ The bearer, one of Luttrell’s scouts, being under 
suspicion, was arrested on his return from the English 
camp, and this correspondence was found in his pos- 
session.” 

“ And what do you intend doing ? ” 

“ My duty. Colonel, even though he were my brother; 
and, God knows, I loved this man more than a brother.” 

“ He has numerous friends, will it be safe to arrest 
him ? ” 

“Ho matter, I shall do my duty,” and, turning to 
O’Donnell, he said: “Major, go immediately and place 
Henry Luttrell under arrest, as a traitor to his King and 
his country, and should he offer the' least resistance, 
shoot him on the spot. Take a strong guard with you, 
and place him in the tower until we convene a court- 
martial to try him.” * 

As O’Donnell left to execute his order, the strong man 
sat down, and covering his face with his hands, he wept 
bitter tears. 

“Oh!” he exclaimed, “we could meet our enemies 
face to face, but to be betrayed by those we loved is too 
much! ” 

Luttrell was tried, found guilty, and reserved for the King^s 
pleasure. The surrender of Limerick saved him, hut a few 
yeans afterwards this hase traitor was assassinated. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 207 

The defences of Limerick went bravely on, o\ving to 
the energy of Sarsfield. On the 15th of August, Ginkle’s 
army approached the city. Meanwhile, he had his 
agents busy tampering with the wavering, and circu- 
lating proclamations offering a full pardon to all 
deserters. Sarsfield, too, was vigilant. He had several 
of the spies hung, and by his repressive movements 
greatly intimidated others. 

Treachery and treason, despite all his exertions, were 
fast demoralizing his army. A commission was found 
among Tyrconnell’s papers appointing Sir Alexander 
Fetton, Sir Kichard Nagle, and Francis Plowden, Lords 
Justices. 

They were of the peace party, and strongly opposed 
Sarsfield's preparations for defence. However, he soon 
silenced them by threatening them with military arrest. 

Ginkle, finding that the citizens were resolved to 
resist to the last, vigorously commenced a siege, and on 
the 30th of the month his batteries fiercely opened fire. 
About the same time a fleet of twenty English ships 
came up the river, and within range of the town. The 
combined fire of this fleet and the batteries soon re- 
duced the town to a heap of ruins. 

Great dissentions prevailed among the Irish officers, 
and the firm will of one man alone awed them from 
their treacherous designs. 

Though the fire from Ginkle’s batteries, which 
mounted forty heavy guns, had laid the town almost in 
ashes, still that General feared to venture on an assault. 
He even despatched Colonel Earl to King William, re- 
questing more troops, or else he should abandon the 
siege ; but treason and dissention was daily accomphsh- 
ing what English arms could not. 

Brigadier Clifford who commanded in the cavalry 
under Sheldon, was guarding the passes of the Shannon 
with 1500 horse. During the night of the 15th of Sep- 


208 


sarsfield; or, 


tember, the English threw a bridge of boats across the 
river near his camp, and, it was only by the greatest ad- 
dress that Sheldon was able to save his cavalry, and fall 
back on Six-mile Bridge. 

Sarsfield, attended by O’Donnell and the old Colonel, 
went from post to post, and fort to fort, cheering on the 
men by their presence. No entreaties could keep Colonel 
McCarthy from exposing himself to the greatest danger. 
When remonstrated with, he would reply: “ No, no, my 
duty is here. I am ready to die, if need be, for my 
country.” 

But the old soldier’s career was soon to end, and his 
wish was gratified, for he often prayed that he might 
not survive his country’s liberty. 

One evening, as Sarsfield was directing some works 
on one of the forts, he stooped to sight a gun. Scarcely 
had he done so when a bullet, aimed at him, struck the 
Colonel, who stood behind him, and he fell back, but 
was supported by Major O’Donnell. Sarsfield was soon 
at his side, and eagerly asked, ‘‘ Are you badly wounded. 
Colonel ? ” 

“ Aye, aye. General,” he faintly replied. ‘‘ My work is 
done. I have met a soldier’s death, like most of my 
race.” 

He was gently laid down in shelter of the works, and 
a doctor hastily summoned. On examination, it was 
found that the bullet had passed through the lung and 
settled near the spine. 

“ What do you think of him? ” asked Sarsfield of the 
doctor, as he had finished his examination and bound 
up the wound. 

He has but a few hours to live,” whispered the other. 

There is a hemorrhage from the lungs which will soon 
kill him; besides, the spine is injured.” 

Sarsfield heaved a sigh, and ordered a litter to be got 
ready to remove him to his house. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAITP. 209 

O’Donnell bent over the old soldier, wiping off the clot- 
ted blood that ebbed from his wound, while tears of gen- 
uine regret dimmed the young man s eyes. 

“ So you weep for an old man like me,” muttered the 
Colonel. A soldier should not weep for a brother sol- 
dier who has died in so holy a cause.” 

Aye, but you were as a kind, good father to me, Col- 
onelJ” 

“ Thank Grod, I have tried to do my duty ; but, O’Don- 
nell^ promise me that you will take good care of my dar- 
ling child, my sweet Eveleen ? ” 

“Before Him who looks down upon us. Colonel, I 
swear it!” 

“ There, that will do — poor, dear child ! ” 

Sarsheld could scarcely refrain from tears. 

“ What, General, you too weeping ? ” said the dying 
man. 

“ Even so, Colonel. Ireland has so few real friends 
now, we can badly spare her truest son.” 

“ My poor, distracted country. May God watch over 
her ! ” 

The litter being ready, the Colonel was removed to Sars- 
field’s house. Lady Sarsfield and Eveleen met the sad 
procession as they entered the house, both overwhelmed 
with grief. Eveleen wept passionately and kissed his 
cold lips wildly, calling upon him not to leave her 

He was carefully placed upon a couch, and a priest 
called in to prepare him for death. Having received the 
consolations of religion from the holy man, the sorrow- 
ing group again collec!;ed around him. His breathing 
became heavy and his speech inarticulate. Eveleen 
knelt beside him, wiping the blood from his wound and 
the perspiration of death from his brow. Major O’Don- 
nell supported his head, while Sarsfield, with folded 
arms and moist eyes, stood silently looking on. 

The dying man opened his eyes, and taking Eveleen’s 

14 


210 


saesfield; oe. 


hand he placed it in that of O’Donnell. He then beck- 
oned the clergyman and said : “ It will ease my last mo- 
ments to know that she has a legal protector. Father, 
they are betrothed; will you give them your blessing as 
man and wife?” 

Sarsfield whispered something to the priest, who, tak- 
ing out his book, there in the solemn presence of the 
dying man, united them in the holy bond of matrimony. 

“ Kneel, my children,” whispered the dying man. 

They did so, and by an effort he raised his hands over 
them and muttered a blessing upon them. Scarcely had 
he uttered the words when he fell back, and his soul had 
taken its flight to appear before his Divine Maker. 

Sarsfield closed his eyes, and as he did so he muttered : 
“ There lies as brave a man, and as true a patriot as Ire- 
land has ever produced. Peace to you, noble friend ! ” 

The young wife was borne out of the room by her hus- 
band, and the remains were left to be prepared for de- 
cent interment. 

Ginkle had converted the siege into a blockade and had 
removed the heavy guns on board the ships. He had 
also despatched a large body of horse to destroy the 
harvest and corn around Limerick. 

This body approached the works opposite the Tho- 
mond gate, and Gen. D’ Usson ordered out eight hundred 
picked men, under Col. Lacy, to check their approach. 

Col. Lacy was successful for a time, but constant rein- 
fOrcemerbts of horse and foot were hurled against him 
by Ginkle. The besieged eagerly lined the walls to wit- 
ness the action, but were unable to assist their friends, 
for if they opened with their artillery, they would be as 
fatal to their own men as to the enemy’s. 

Lacy, being overpowered by numbers of fresh troops, 
fell back to the city gate, but, whether by the orders of 
the Mayor, or of D’ Usson, the gates were closed against 
them, on the plea that the enemy would follow them in- 
to the city. 


THE LAST GEEAT STBUGGLE FOE lEELAIO). 211 

Seeing all hopes of escape shut off, Lacy and his men 
fought desperately under the very eyes of their friends. 
But it was of uo use; they were soon overpowered and 
cut to pieces. 

Sarsfield chanced to be absent, paying the last tribute 
to the remains of his old friend Col. McCarthy, but being 
apprised of the disaster, he hurried to the gate. It was 
too late. The victorious enemy had fallen back, while 
his dead comrades in arms lay as they fell, under the 
very walls of the city. 

Sarsfield was frantic. 

“ Who ordered these gates to be closed ? he fiercely 
asked. 

He was told that they were closed by D’ Usson’s orders. 

Curse D’ Usson,” he exclaimed to O’Donnell, “ his 
blunders are costing us dearly. He allowed Athlone to 
be surprised while he was asleep a mile away from 
the garrison. After the fall of St. Ruth at Aughrim, the 
battle 'was lost, as he could not be found in time to give 
orders, though next in command. He dallied at Galway, 
and instead of making a defence that would at least detain 
Ginkle’s army until Limerick would be in a position to 
resist them, he quietly submitted ; and now he has sac- 
rificed the fiower of our army to his miserable fears.” 

This misfortune increased the clamor of the peace 
party. They had become so strong and factious, that 
they openly denounced the obstinate persistance of 
Sarsfield, as being the fruits of his great ambition, and 
want of judgment. They even tampered with the soldiers, 
who, it must be confessed, were becoming very greatly 
disheartened by the repeated defeats, and the failure of 
the promised aid from France. The French officers, 
finding neither honor nor glory in the war, wished to 
return to France, and joined the malcontents in their 
clamor for a capitulation. 

After a stormy scene at a council of war, where Sars- 


212 


sajbsfield; or, 


field’s patriotic resolve of holding out until the arrival 
of French support was overruled, he returned to his 
homo. 

He looked careworn and dejected, and embracing his 
wife, exclaimed : 

“ All is lost ; there is nothing but traitoi*s and treason, 
dear! Tne French officers have joined the Irish trait- 
ors in their cowardly clamor to accept Ginkle’s teims of 
surrender. Even they have won over the Archbishops 
of Cashel and Armagh to their views, by representing to 
them that Ginkle’s terms will embrace religious tolei a- 
tion, and that if the city is taken by storm all will be put 
to the sword, and the Catholic religion exterminated.” 

“ Then, my Lord, all is lost 1 ” replied Lady Sarsfield. 

“ Not, My Lord, while we have the army with us,” re- 
plied Mjjor O’Donnell. 

Sarsfioid walked up and down the floor for some 
time, and turning to O’Donnell, said: 

“ Aye, indeed, poor brave fellows, they are the only 
loyal hearts in Limerick ; but they are greatly cast down 
since the slaughter of Lacy’s men. Then what can they 
do ? They are deserted by their officers ; and I fear every 
moment that the treacherous, who are, no doubt, in 
league with Ginkle, will throw open the gates to his 
army.” 

“Do you expect the French succors soon, General?” 
asked Eveleen. 

“ I have full faith that they are on their way. I know 
that the orave Duke of Berwick has left n othing undone 
to despa 3-?h them as fast as possible, and the last word 
ho said, was to try and hold out until their arrival.” 

“ Let us appeal to the troops, General,” said O’Donnell. 

“It is useless. Major, useless; with the bishops and 
clergy on their side, they would overrule us. Besides, 
the leaders in treason have gone so far in their treach- 
ery now, that they would throw open the gates to Gin- 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAIJD. 213 

kle’s army, and we would be the cause of a fearful and 
indiscriminate slaughter.” 

“ Oh ! only for those innocent ones that would suffer 
in such a terrible sack, we would defend the walls while 
a man lived to raise his sword I” exclaimed O’Donnell. 

‘‘My dear husband!” exclaimed Eveleen, as she em- 
braced him ; “ fear not for us. We, too, can share our 
country’s fate.” 

“ My brave little wife ! ” whispered the gratified soldier, 
as he tenderly kissed her. 

“ Mighty God I ” exclaimed Sarsfield, “ the very women 
teach us our duty ; but no, no ! it’s no use, no use — all is 
lost ! ” 

The heart-broken soldier turned away, and as he 
buried his face in his hands, he wept bitter tears. 

“Alas! alas!” he exclaimed, “Ireland is again con- 
quered by treachery and treason, not by the enemy I ” 


214 


sarsfield; ob, 


CHAPTER XYI. 

Limerick Capitulates— The Treaty— Arrival of the French 
Fleet— Departure of the ‘‘ Wild Geese ” for France— 
The Irish Brigade in France— Death of Sarsheld, 

Then all good men, where’er you be, 

Who fought for Ireland’s liberty. 

Our hero brave lament with me. 

And ponder well his story; 

And pray like him that you may die 
Beneath old Ireland's genial sky, 

With Saxon dead piled mountains high. 

The spot around 

Where you have found 

The hero’s death on Irish ground, 

That Sarsfield died in glory. 

Sarsheld is dying on London’s plain; o 

His corslet met the ball in vain — 

As his life’s blood gushes into his hand. 

He says, ‘ 0 1 that this was for Fatherland.’ ” 

The peace party prevailed. Sarsfield was reluctantly 
forced to yield to circumstances ; a cessation of hostili- 
ties took place ; and after much negotiation, on the 13th 
of October, 1691, the celebrated treaty of Limerick was 
ratified and signed. 

Had it been observed in good faith, it would have re- 
stored to Ireland, if not her liberty, at least, such civil 
and religious rights as might have given to her peace 
and happiness. 

But scarcely had the Irish troops left the shores of 
Ireland, than it was treacherously violated, for it is pro- 
verbial that England has never kept either her treaties 
or promises with Ireland. The bad faith of Carthage 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 215 

has not been more open than that of England towards 
Ireland. The treaty of Limerick secured the Irish in 
their political rights, and the full security of their re- 
ligion and lands: but the Protestant party soon de- 
nounced it and, persecution and spoliation followed. 

On the 23d of October, just ten days after the fatal 
surrender of Limerick, the French fleet entered the 
mouth of the Shannon. 

It was commanded by Chateau-Renaud, and comprised 
five men-of-war, with men and arms, and eighteen trans- 
ports laden with stores, ammunition and supplies. It 
came to save Ireland. It only bore from her shores her 
noblest and bravest. 

According to the terms of the treaty, the Irish soldiers 
were at liberty to volunteer to join the French or Eng- 
lish armies, as they chose. 

Great afforts were made to seduce them from their 
colors, and commissions in the English service were 
offered to the officers, as an inducement to influence 
their men to join their enemies. Such agents as Henry 
Luttrell, who had been discharged from arrest; the 
Burkes, Nicholas Purcell, and General Clifford, were 
sent among them to tamper with their loyalty to France ; 
and even General Ginkie issued a proclamation holding 
out flattering inducements to them, and he went 
himself, in person, and addressed them upon the supe- 
rior advantages of the English over the French service. 

But aH these representations and flattering induce- 
ments proved of no avail against the exhortations of Sars- 
field, Wauchop, and the clergy. Ginkle made desperate 
efforts to induce the King’s Guard, a noble corps of 1400 
men, to join him; but, to his mortification, when they 
came to the place assigned for declaring which service 
they chose, only seven men went over to the English. 

It was only in the regiments commanded by those 
officers who were in secret treaty with Ginkle, previous 


216 


sarsfield; or. 


Buccess, and, in all, about three thousand were induced 
to forsake their colors. 

These afterwards received the just treatment of desert- 
ers, for, after the war, they were disbanded, and Bealderg 
O’Donnell and the other traitors were dismissed the 
service. 

Nineteen thousand and fifty-nine men and officers 
readily volunteered for the French service.* 

Gen. Ginkle became savage at being thus foiled in 
breaking up the Irish army, for they were just as 
dangerous to the cause of William in the French service 
as at home. 

He threw every obstacle in the way of their departure, 
and would most likely have failed to supply transports, 
as specified in the treaty, only for the determination of 
Sarsfield and the threatening aspect of the French fieet. 

The departure of the “ Wild Geese ” is both a memor- 
able and mournful event in the sad history of Ireland. 
As they embarked, the cries and lamentations of women 
and children, who were severed from their husbands and q 
fathers, rent the air. 

The brave fellows wept bitter tears in the embraces of 
those loved ones from whom they were to part for- 
ever ; though they vainly tried to cheer them with the 
promise that they would again return with French aid 
to restore the King to his own again. Amidst sobs and 
tears, blessings and prayers were breathed for their wel- 
fare, and even strong men, blinded with tears, prayed 
that the “ Wild Geese ” might again return. 

When all had embarked, Sarsfield, supporting his lady, 

* These were divided into four divisions : one of 4,500 men, 
under Sarsfield; another of 4,736 under D’Usson andTesse; a 
third under Wauchop, of about 3,000; while the remainder 
were under the command of their various colonels, many of 
them having marched to Limerick from detached posts held 
by them. 


THE LAST GREAT STRWGGLE FOR IRELAISTD. 217 

to the surrender, that the English agents met with any 
accompanied by Major O’Donnell, with his young wife 
leaning upon his arm, passed through the heartbroken 
crowd of mourners and spectators. 

He looked worn and dejected, and, as the blessings 
and prayers of the people greeted him on all sides, the 
tears sprang to his eyes, as he exclaimed : 

“ Poor, brave, grateful people, how long will you have 
to weep before it pleases Providence to dry up your 
tears and heal your wounds.” 

“Not long, my Lord,” muttered O’Donnell, between 
his clenched teeth. 

“ God send it ! ” responded Sarsfield. 

As the party gained the deck, they cast a lingering 
look upon the crumbling ruins of Limerick, and upon 
the green hills and valleys of the surrounding country. 

“ May God grant that we are not leaving it forever I 
exclaimed Sarsfield. 

“ God grant it, indeed I ” echoed those around him. 

“Ah I my poor, dear grandfather,” sighed Eveleen; 
“ what a comfort if we only had the good old man along 
with us.” 

“Aye; he is better as he is — he is at peace. I envy 
him his quiet grave in his own land I ” muttered Sarsfield, 
as he turned away. 

Soon the sails of the ship flapped in the breeze, and 
Ireland’s “Wild Geese” — her best and bravest sons — 
bade her a last adieu, amidst the wailings and lamenta- 
tions of women and children, who had lost in them their 
natural protectors, and also of strong men, who felt that 
wi th them departed all hop<^s for their native land. 

Though the formation of an Irish Brigade in the 
service of France cannot be traced farther back than 
1690 — when Chateau- Kenaud’s fleet conveyed over about 
five thousand veteran Irish troops which formed Mount- 
cashel’s celebrated brigade — still, we find the Irish 


218 


sabsfield; or, 


figuring in the military history of the Continent as 
early as 1585. About this time 1,.500 Irish, commanded 
by Sir Edward Stanley, were sent out by Elizabeth to 
aid the Dutch in their war against Philip of Spain, but 
they soon forsook the Dutch standard for that of Spain, 
l^hese were followed by several other detachments, 
which rendered important service to Spain. In 1673, 
Charles II. sent directions to Essex, Lord Lieutenant of 
Ireland, to allow Sir G. Hamilton to recruit a regiment 
of foot for the service of France. This regiment served 
under Turenne on the Rhine, and partook in the spoils 
and destruction of the dominions of the Elector Palatine. 
They also shared in the battles of Engheim Alten- 
heim, and several other engagements, rendering im- 
portant services. 

Soon after Mountcashel’s brigade arrived in France 
it was ordered to Savoy, and joined the French army 
there under Lieutenant-General St. Ruth, and partici- 
pated in his brilliant campaigns, and subsequently up to 
the treaty of Nimeguen, when it enjoyed a short repose 
until after the treaty of Augsburg, which, at the crafty 
dictation of William Prince of Orange, resulted in a 
powerful league against France. 

The war, which had hitherto been confined to Flan- 
ders and Catalonia, burst with terrible fury over the 
frontier of the Rhine, the French forces being under the 
command of Marshal De Duras; while another weU 
appointed army, under Marshal Catinat, was operating 
in Savoy. 

France was literally encircled in a blaze of war when 
the brave defenders of Limerick arrived on her shore, 
who were assigned to winter quarters in Brittany and 
Normandy. 

King Louis had meditated for some time the invasion 
of England, and the fleet of M. TourviUe awaited orders 
for the intended descent 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 219 

Early in 1692, th© Irish army was cheered by the hope 
of the projected invasion, and the prospect of their 
comprising a portion of the expedition. They vowed to 
have revenge on the English for all the barbarities 
practiced upon their homes and kindred by the Dutch 
army in Ireland. 

Tiieir hopes were likely to be gratified ; for in May 
they were organized into a corps, under General Sars- 
field, and had received orders to join the army of 
invasion. 

But their expectations were blasted, — ^for the fleet of 
De Tourville was utterly destroyed by the combined 
English and Dutch fleets, off the heights of La Hague. 

Dispirited by this event, they were ordered to join the 
army of the Rhine. At Spires, a battalion of Irish dis- 
tinguished itself by taking possession of the tower which 
protected the bridge, and thus prevented the enemy 
from crossing it. 

The main body of the Irish rendered distinguished 
services to the French army along the Rhine, under De 
Louges. 

The King’s Guards had been detached and assigned to 
the command of Luxemburg; and distinguished them- 
selves at Rosemont, near Namur, and in other engage- 
ments. Meantime, Mountcashel’s brigade was winning 
laurels under Catinat on the Piedmontese frontier; 
particularly, by their desperate defence of Guillestre and 
Embrun. 

At the celebrated battle of Marsiglia, in the gaining of 
which the Irish had the greatest shaie, MountcashePs 
Brigade and the King’s Dragoons, commanded by Sars- 
field, greatly distinguished themselves. 

Catinat had threatened to cut off the communica- 
tion between the allies and Turin. The Duke of Savoy 
resolved to give him battle. Prince Eugene and the Duke 
of Leinster (Schomberg) advised the Duke to shut up 


220 


sarsfield; or. 


Catinat by guarding the passages from the valley of Losa. 
Catinat advanced into the open plain, and Savoy prepared 
to meet him, taking up a position near Marsiglia. 

Sarsfitld’s cavalry covered Catinat’s light wing, and 
Clare’s infantry occupied the left, while Wauchop’s com- 
mand held the centre. To the six thousand Irish troops 
engaged in the battle were, in fact, assigned the most 
important positions. 

On the light the German infantry were hurled back 
by the Irish dismounted Dragoons. The German cavalry 
next fiercely charged on them, but Sarsfield at the head 
of his column swept down upon them and drove them 
back in desperate confusion on their retreating infan- 
try, and followed them up, until by another vigorous 
charge on the allies’ wing, he threw them into disorder. 
On the left Clare’s three battalions, supported by two 
French battalions, met the enemy, after hurling back 
two French regiments, with a determined front. The 
fighting became desperate. The Irish presented a solid 
phalanx of bristling bayonets, meeting and repulsing 
every charge of the Germans, until the latter were com- 
pelled to give way. 

Prince Eugene had attacked the French centre with 
great vigor and determination, but was several times re- 
pulsed by Wauchop’s troops, the most of whom were 
Irish. Three times did the Prince assault the centre, 
three times was he repulsed ; and at length, finding his 
wing giving way, he fell back across the Po. 

The Irish greatly distinguished themselves in this 
memorable battle, but a large number of their bravest 
officers lay upon the field. O’Carrol, Maxwell, Wua- 
chop, and Fordun were among the killed, while several 
other distinguished officers were wounded. Thus were 
the officers and soldiers of the Irish Brigade winning hon- 
or and victories for France on many a battle-field, and 
bravely refuting the calumnies of such maligners as 
Lausan and De Rosen. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELACTD. 221 

But the truest patriot, the noblest soldier of them all 
did not live long enough to reap the fruits of their sub- 
sequent brilliant victories and glorious achievements. 

On the 29th of July, 1693, at the battle of Landen, or 
Neer-Winden, fought between the Duke of Luxemburg 
and William II L, Darrington’s Koyal Kegiment of Foot 
Guards took a prominent part and greatly distinguished 
themselves, parcicularly in their desperate and success- 
ful charge upon their old enemy. General Ginkle, whose 
troops they hurled back with fearful slaughter. Lieu- 
tenant-General Eubantel, to whom Lord Lucan was act- 
ing as Marechal-de-Camp, commanded on the right dur- 
ing the engagement. To this command was assigned the 
desperate task of taking the village of Neer-Windeii, 
which was several times taken and retaken, but finally 
retained by the French. 

In one of these desperate assaults. Lord Lucan fiercely 
led the attack, and never at Limerick or elsewhere did 
he display greater bravery against his old enemy. He 
was struck down in the moment of victory. Though he 
had not the happiness of dying for his country, still he 
fell in a happy moment, for, as he lay breathless and un- 
helmed, he had the satisfaction of seeing William’s 
army in headlong fiight, with their banners trailing in 
the dust, and the cry Kemember Limerick,” ringing 
in their ears. 

As he gasped for breath. Major O’Donnell raised him 
in his arms. 

The dying soldier grasped his hand, and seeing the 
blood flowing freely from his breast, he exclaimed, “ Oh I 
that this was for Fatherland I ” * 

♦Mr. O’Callaghan, in his “History of the Irish Brigade,” 
states that though mortally wounded, he lived to he removed 
to Huy, where he shortly afterwards died. Both English and 
French historians pay him the highest compliment for his 
courage, bravery, and love of country and religion. A Wil- 
liamite writer, speaking of him, says : “ He gained as much 


222 


sarsfield; or, 

The following sketch of Sarsfield is taken from O’Cal- 
laghan’s history of the Irish Brigades in the service of 
France. 

“ Patrick first served in France as ensign in the regi- 
ment of Monmouth, then as Lieutenant in the Guards, 
in England ; whence, on ttie success of the Revolution- 
ists, supported by the Dutch invasion, he followed King 
James 11. into France. In March, 1689, he accomparied 
the King to Ireland ; was created a member of the Privy 
Council ; made a Colonel of Horse, and Brigadier ; and 
appointed to command the royal force for the protection 
of Connaught, until the effects of the unlucky affair at 
I^’ewtown-Butler, and the raising of the blockade of 
Derry, in August, by the landing of Major General 
Kirk’s relief from England and Scotland, compelled him 
to retire to Athlone. That autumn, however, he re-took 
Sligo, and entirely expelled the Revolutionists from Con- 
naught. In July, 1690, he was present at the affair of 
the Boyne ; and. after the King’s departure to France, he, 
by his vigorous exhortations to his countrymen to con- 
tinue the war, and by his surprise of the Williamite bat- 
tering artillery, ammunition, &e.,in August, only seven or 
eight miles from the enemy’s camp, mainly contributed to 
the successful defence of Limerick against William HI. 
In December and January, 1690-91, he foiled the military 
efforts of the Williamites, though aided by treachery, to 

honor by his generosity and humanity to the English as hy his 
bravery and conduct in the field. Mr. O’Connor adds of his 
Lordship : “ Aiminius was never more popular among the 
Germans, than Sarsfield among the Irish. No man was ever 
more attached to his country, or more devoted to his religion.” 

His widow was afterwards married to the Duke of Berwick. 
As for Major O’Donnell, he rose to the rank of Colonel, and he 
and his amiable wife lived to see their sons distinguish them- 
selves both in the French and Spanish services, the descend- 
ants of whom hold honorable positions in both countries 
to-day. 


THE LAST GREAT STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND. 223 

cross the Shannon into Connaught, and was at the next 
promotion made a Major General, and ennobled by King 
James as “Earl Lucan, Viscount of Tully, and Baron of 
Eosberry.” In June and July, he was at the defence of 
Athlone and the battle of Aughrim, or Kilconnell. Soon 
after, he detected, denounced and arrested, for corres- 
ponding with the enemy, his intimate friend and neigh- 
bor, Brigadier Henry Luttrell, of Luttrellstown, in the 
County of Dublin — though that officer was either too 
wary or too powerful to be condemned. After the treaty 
of Limerick, in October, 1691, to which his Lordship was 
a chief contracting party, he used all his influence to 
make as many as possible of his countrymen adhere to 
the cause of King James, and accompany the national 
army to France — thus sacrificing to his loyalty his fine 
estate,, and good prospects of advancement from Wil- 
liam HI. 

In 1692 he was appointed by James to the command 
of his Second Troop of Irish Horse Guards, after the 
grant of the First Troop to the Duke of Berwick. On 
the defeat at Plentirk, in July, 1692, of the Allies under 
William HI., by the French, under the Mai’shal De 
Luxemburg, the Marshal complimented Lord Lucan, 
as having acted at the engagement in a manner worthy 
of his previous military reputation in Ireland. In 
March, 1693, in addition to his rank of Major General in 
the service of James II., his lordship was created 
Marechal-de*camp, or Major General, in that of France, 
by Louis XIV. ; and, at the great overthrow, in July, of 
the Allies under William III., by Luxemburg, at the 
battle of Landen (otherwise Xeer-Winden, or Xeer- 
Hespen), he received his death wound. The character 
of Patrick Sars field, Earl of Lucan, may be compre- 
hended in the words: simplicity, disinterestedness, 
honor, loyalty, and bravery. In person, he was of a 
prodigious size. By his marriage with Lady Honor de 


224 


SAR8FIELD. 


Burgo, second daughter to William, seventh Earl of 
Clanricarde, he had a son, who fought under his illus- 
trious step-father, the Marshal Duke of Berwick, in 
Spain, and was honored accordingly there by King 
Philip V., but left no family — the Sarsfields since dis- 
tinguished in the military services of France and Spain 
being, consequently, of other branches of the name.” * 

* Daltone, Burke In his Peerage, and other writers, agree 
that he left a son, though several writers state the contrary. 
They also state that he left a daughter, who was married to 
the well-known Baron of Newhurg, styled King of Corsica. / 


THE END, 


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